This bill amends the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act to establish new credentialing requirements for employees of medical marijuana businesses. Starting January 1, 2024, employees must apply for and receive a credential from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which may contract with third-party vendors to facilitate the credentialing process. The bill mandates that employees submit proof of completion of educational training as part of their credential application, and outlines that this training must be completed annually beginning January 1, 2026. The training will cover various topics, including state statutes, patient privacy, and safe handling of medical marijuana.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for background checks and eligibility verification, removing the requirement for third-party vendors to assess employee suitability. Instead, the Authority will take on this responsibility. The bill also clarifies that if an employee is deemed ineligible for a credential, they may appeal the decision to the Authority. Furthermore, it provides that the Authority will review applications and communicate decisions to applicants, ensuring that rejection letters include reasons for denial. The Executive Director of the Authority is granted the authority to promulgate rules to implement these provisions.