The bill amends the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Physician Assistant Act to enhance the roles and responsibilities of physician assistants (PAs) in the state. Key provisions include allowing pharmacists to dispense controlled dangerous substances prescribed by PAs and requiring PAs to complete 6,240 hours of postgraduate clinical practice experience to practice without supervision. The bill also increases the membership of the Physician Assistant Committee from seven to nine, modifies quorum requirements, and introduces more flexibility in practice agreements between PAs and supervising physicians. Additionally, it repeals the requirement for physician supervision for PAs who meet the postgraduate experience requirement, while still permitting voluntary agreements.

Furthermore, the bill expands the prescribing authority of PAs, enabling them to prescribe both written and oral prescriptions for controlled medications in Schedules II through V, contingent upon a written protocol from their supervising physician. It clarifies that PAs cannot dispense drugs but can manage professional samples. The bill also introduces new definitions related to drug terminology, emphasizes harm-reduction services, and outlines responsibilities for managing opioid prescriptions. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline PA operations, enhance their role in healthcare delivery, and ensure necessary oversight and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-519.11, 59-521.4