Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1757

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Health care; prohibiting healthcare staffing agency from charging certain excess fee; making agency liable for certain violation. Effective date.

Impact

If passed, SB1757 would fundamentally alter the financial dynamics between healthcare staffing agencies and facilities. Covered facilities would be empowered to take legal action against staffing agencies that charge excessive fees, providing a mechanism for accountability and potential financial relief for hospitals and nursing homes that rely on these services. The bill includes provisions for the courts to award damages, costs, and injunctive relief against violators, which could serve as a significant deterrent against non-compliance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1757 seeks to regulate the fees charged by healthcare staffing agencies for placing healthcare workers in covered facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. Specifically, the bill limits the fees to a maximum of 105% of the highest hourly wage that the worker was originally paid by the facility, provided that the worker had been employed there within the last two years. This regulation aims to prevent exorbitant fees associated with temporary staffing solutions, which have been a growing concern in the healthcare industry, especially in contexts of staffing shortages.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it protects healthcare facilities from being exploited by staffing agencies during staffing crises, detractors may view it as an unnecessary regulatory burden on staffing agencies. There's potential for debate over whether such regulations might disincentivize agencies from providing services, especially in high-demand situations where they believe they deserve the ability to charge market rates. The effectiveness of this law in addressing staffing shortages and ensuring quality care amid regulatory constraints could become a focal topic as discussions move forward.