The bill amends various sections of the Oklahoma Statutes concerning the practice of medicine, particularly the responsibilities of the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. It introduces a provision allowing the Board to hire a medical advisor to assist in fulfilling its statutory duties. The bill also modifies licensure requirements by removing certain conditions and updating postgraduate medical training criteria. Additionally, it permits the Board to conduct national criminal history background checks on physician applicants, specifying the procedures for these checks while limiting the use of the results. The bill further expands the Board's quasi-judicial powers and revises licensure requirements for foreign applicants, including English language proficiency and completion of Board-approved medical training.

Moreover, the bill establishes the Allied Professional Peer Assistance Program to support allied medical professionals facing chemical dependency issues, allowing the Board to appoint peer assistance evaluation advisory committees and potentially outsource the program to specialized groups. It mandates that physician assistant applicants undergo national criminal history background checks conducted by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, with results kept confidential. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of treatment information and the privileged status of communications between professionals and therapists, while granting the Board authority to suspend licenses for non-compliance with the program. It also provides immunity for individuals reporting suspected issues in good faith. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-518.1
House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill: 59-518.1
Floor (House): 59-518.1
Floor (Senate): 59-518.1
Engrossed: 59-518.1
Amended And Engrossed: 59-518.1
Enrolled (final version): 59-518.1