Oklahoma House Bill HB2668

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Revolving Fund; Office of Management and Enterprise Services approval; Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs; treatment of traumatic brain injuries hyperbaric chambers; reimbursement Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Revolving Fund; treatment plans; costs of treatment; effective date.

Impact

The amendments outlined in HB2668 would establish a more direct administrative responsibility for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing it to approve claims and manage reimbursement for TBI treatments. The legislation provides for the fund to cover not only direct treatment costs but also indirect expenses related to veterans' care. By ensuring that treatment facilities can bill the state directly for veterans undergoing HBOT, the bill aims to simplify the reimbursement process, thus encouraging more facilities to offer these treatments without upfront costs to veterans.

Summary

House Bill 2668 aims to enhance the treatment and recovery options for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It seeks to amend existing laws related to the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Revolving Fund. The bill proposes significant changes in the management of this fund by shifting control from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. This change is intended to streamline the approval process for treatment and reimbursement associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Contention

Critics of the bill have raised concerns about the adequacy of funding for the revolving fund and whether it will be sufficient to cover all necessary treatments. Additionally, there are discussions around the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treating TBI, with some opponents questioning whether the bill sufficiently addresses other possible treatment options or overly prioritizes HBOT. The potential financial implications stemming from these changes, including long-term sustainability of the revolving fund, have also sparked debate among lawmakers.