House Bill No. 1835, introduced by Hefner, aims to strengthen protections for elderly and disabled adults by amending the Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act and the Nursing Home Care Act. The bill includes new definitions related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and outlines the responsibilities of individuals required to report such incidents. It emphasizes the necessity of notifying Oklahoma's Protection and Advocacy System during investigations and mandates that reports of abuse or neglect be submitted to this system. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for individuals who fail to report suspected abuse while providing immunity for those who report in good faith. It also clarifies the roles of caretakers and healthcare professionals in disclosing health information related to vulnerable adults and ensures that spiritual healing choices do not constitute neglect.

Moreover, the bill amends the Nursing Home Care Act to enhance protections for residents and employees in long-term care facilities. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report or cooperate with investigations related to the Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act and allows for the assessment of reasonable attorney fees against employers found in violation of these protections. The bill outlines the responsibilities of facility owners regarding the reporting of serious incidents to the Department of Health and the Protection and Advocacy System, emphasizing immediate reporting by employees and administrators. It also nullifies any waivers of the right to legal action or jury trials, reinforcing residents' rights to seek legal recourse. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.