This bill establishes a new section in the Oklahoma Statutes that defines key terms related to anesthesia services and mandates coverage for these services by insurers. It defines "anesthesia time" as the duration from when an anesthesia practitioner begins preparing a patient until they conclude their services, allowing for the inclusion of interruptions in care. Additionally, it outlines how payments for anesthesia services should be calculated based on established medical coding standards and specifies that the term "insurer" aligns with existing definitions in Oklahoma law.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits insurers from imposing time limits on covered anesthesia services during medical or surgical procedures and from restricting or excluding payment for anesthesia time. This legislation aims to ensure comprehensive coverage for anesthesia services, thereby enhancing patient care and access to necessary medical procedures. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.