The bill amends Section 152 of the Governmental Tort Claims Act in Oklahoma, primarily focusing on the definitions used within the Act. Key modifications include changing the term "in" to "on" in the definitions of "Agency" and "Employee," clarifying the roles of these entities in relation to the state and political subdivisions. Additionally, the definition of "Claim" has been updated to specify that it must be presented in accordance with The Governmental Tort Claims Act, and the term "the" has been replaced with "The" in this context. The bill also introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding various types of health care providers and expands the scope of what constitutes a "political subdivision" to include new entities such as regional economic development authorities and ambulance service districts.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of employees and independent contractors under the Act, emphasizing that the state cannot be held liable for the tortious conduct of certain medical professionals while practicing medicine. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for claims against the state and its subdivisions, ensuring that the definitions align with current practices and legal standards. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 51-152