Bill No. 929 seeks to amend the Oklahoma Osteopathic Medicine Act to improve the regulation and practice of osteopathic medicine in the state. Key changes include the introduction of definitions for terms such as "Board," "Osteopathic physician," and "School of osteopathic medicine," along with updated licensing requirements. The bill prohibits individuals from claiming to be board-certified specialists unless they meet specific certification criteria. It also enhances the authority of the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners by allowing it to issue subpoenas, maintain an electronic public record of licensed physicians, and conduct national criminal history checks on applicants. Additionally, the bill establishes a special volunteer medical license for retired physicians and outlines conditions for issuing licenses without examination to practitioners from other jurisdictions.

Further amendments focus on the conduct of osteopathic physicians, expanding the grounds for disciplinary actions and emphasizing the importance of maintaining a proper physician-patient relationship in electronic communications. The bill replaces "doctor-patient" with "physician-patient" and clarifies the Board's authority to impose penalties, including license denial and reinstatement processes. It mandates that licensees provide comprehensive information regarding their professional conduct during license renewal, with a particular emphasis on continuing education in pain management and opioid use. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability, ethical standards, and public safety within the practice of osteopathic medicine in Oklahoma.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-624, 59-633, 59-637, 59-631
Committee Substitute: 59-624, 59-633, 59-637, 59-631
Floor (House): 59-624, 59-633, 59-637, 59-631
Floor (Senate): 59-624, 59-633, 59-637, 59-631
Engrossed: 59-624, 59-633, 59-637, 59-631