This bill amends Section 1-860.4 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which outlines the requirements for hospice care. The key change allows for hospice eligibility determinations to be made by specific individuals when a patient does not have a legal guardian, power of attorney, next-of-kin, or health care proxy available. The individuals authorized to elect hospice benefits on behalf of the patient include a licensed long-term care administrator who has overseen the patient's care for at least six months, two physicians licensed in Oklahoma who have reviewed the patient's medical history, or the patient's primary care physician who has managed the patient's care for a minimum of six months.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of coordination between hospice services and the patient's primary physician, mandates a bereavement program, and establishes strict guidelines against soliciting patients for hospice services. It also outlines the penalties for violations of these provisions, including fines and potential disciplinary actions by the State Department of Health. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2026.