House Bill No. 2584, introduced by Hilbert, seeks to amend the Oklahoma Pharmacy Act and the Physician Assistant Act to enhance the roles and responsibilities of physician assistants (PAs) in the state. Key provisions include increasing the membership of the Physician Assistant Committee from seven to nine members, establishing clearer requirements for practice agreements, and allowing PAs with over 6,240 hours of experience to practice without supervision. The bill also clarifies the authority of pharmacists to dispense controlled substances prescribed by PAs and advanced practice nurses, provided they are licensed in Oklahoma. Notably, it removes the requirement for PAs to be supervised by an Oklahoma-licensed practitioner after meeting specified clinical practice hours and repeals a section related to physician supervision and practice agreements.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding controlled dangerous substances and their paraphernalia, while modifying the definition of "practitioner" to include advanced practice registered nurses under specific supervision. It emphasizes the importance of patient-provider agreements in managing opioid prescriptions and allows PAs to prescribe and administer Schedule II through V controlled substances, subject to certain restrictions. The legislation also deletes the requirement for PAs to operate under the medical direction of a supervising physician, granting them greater autonomy. An emergency clause is included, allowing the act to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, thereby streamlining the regulatory framework for PAs and enhancing healthcare delivery in Oklahoma.

Statutes affected:
House Committee Substitute: 59-519.11, 59-521.4
Floor (House): 59-519.11, 59-521.4
Engrossed: 59-519.11
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 59-519.11, 59-521.4