Bill No. 1630 establishes a regulatory framework for short-term emergency and nonemergency hybrid medical facilities in Oklahoma, requiring these facilities to obtain a separate license to operate. The bill defines key terms such as "emergency care," "nonemergency care," and "facility," and prohibits the transfer or assignment of licenses. It outlines penalties for noncompliance, including misdemeanor charges, and mandates that the Oklahoma Commissioner of Health adopt rules for licensing, inspections, and facility classifications. The bill also requires facilities to provide emergency medical screenings and stabilization regardless of a patient's ability to pay, while prohibiting certain reimbursement practices by insurers.
Furthermore, the bill introduces new procedures for addressing violations identified by the Oklahoma Department of Health, including written notification to individuals about violations and their right to contest penalties. It establishes a new "Short-term Emergency and Nonemergency Hybrid Medical Facility Licensing Fund" within the State Treasury, which will be funded by revenues from these facilities and used for licensing administration and enforcement. The legislation is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to ensure that hybrid medical facilities adhere to operational standards while safeguarding public health and safety.