Oklahoma Senate Bill SB719

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Practice of nursing; modifying and adding grounds for disciplinary action; requiring disciplinary action for commission of certain criminal offenses. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, the bill is set to change the landscape of nursing regulation in Oklahoma significantly by expanding the grounds for which nurses can be disciplined. While it primarily aims to enhance patient safety and uphold public health standards, it also introduces strict measures against those convicted of serious crimes. These amendments can lead to immediate suspension of nursing licenses in cases of criminal convictions, thus enhancing the state's ability to protect the public from potentially harmful practitioners.

Summary

Senate Bill 719 (SB719) proposes modifications to the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act concerning the Oklahoma Board of Nursing's authority to impose disciplinary actions on nurses. The bill removes the requirement for the Board to impose disciplinary action based solely on certain grounds and modifies existing conditions under which disciplinary actions may be taken. Notably, SB719 requires disciplinary action for specified criminal offenses that relate to the qualifications and functions of nursing practice, emphasizing the need for accountability in the profession.

Contention

However, there are points of contention surrounding SB719. Critics might argue that the removal of specific requirements for disciplinary action could lead to an overly broad application of the Board's discretion, potentially punishing individuals for less severe infractions or misconduct that does not directly impact patient care. The balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining fair disciplinary processes may be a central theme in discussions about the bill's implications for nursing professionals in Oklahoma.