Bill No. 443, introduced by Senators Stanley and Miller, amends various sections of the Oklahoma Statutes concerning the practice of medicine. Key changes include modifications to the duties of the secretary of the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, allowing the Board to hire a medical advisor as a separate position. The bill removes certain conditions for licensure, updates postgraduate medical training requirements, and modifies licensure criteria for foreign applicants. It also authorizes the Board to conduct national criminal history background checks on physician and physician assistant applicants, specifying procedures and limiting the use of the results. Additionally, the bill expands the Board's quasi-judicial powers, enabling it to impose disciplinary actions and clarifying the process for revoking licenses in cases of felony convictions.

The legislation establishes the Allied Professional Peer Assistance Program to support allied medical professionals dealing with substance abuse, allowing them to receive treatment while continuing their practice. The program will be overseen by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, which may appoint advisory committees of licensed professionals with expertise in chemical dependency. The bill also amends the eligibility requirements for physician assistant licensure, mandating national criminal history background checks alongside graduation from accredited programs and passing recognized examinations. 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
Floor (Senate): 59-518.1
Engrossed: 59-518.1