House Bill No. 1576 mandates the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to provide Medicaid coverage for rapid whole genome sequencing (WGS) for beneficiaries under the age of 21 who have complex or acute illnesses of unknown origin and are receiving care in high-acuity hospital settings. The bill outlines specific criteria that must be met for coverage, including the necessity for timely identification of a molecular diagnosis to guide treatment. Additionally, the Chief Operating Officer of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority is granted the discretion to expand coverage based on new medical evidence.

The bill also addresses the handling of genetic data obtained from WGS, ensuring it is used primarily for patient diagnosis and treatment while adhering to HIPAA regulations. Consent from patients or their legal guardians is required for the use of genetic data in scientific research, and individuals have the right to rescind this consent at any time. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the Chief Operating Officer to implement necessary rules and regulations to facilitate the coverage. An emergency clause is included to expedite the bill's enactment upon passage.