House Bill No. 4430, introduced by Hilbert, amends existing laws related to medical malpractice for physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in Oklahoma. The bill modifies the requirements for physician assistants regarding supervision and practice agreements, particularly for those with over 6,240 hours of postgraduate clinical practice experience, allowing them to practice without a delegating physician's supervision. It also stipulates that practice agreements must be filed with the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, and outlines the responsibilities of delegating physicians in relation to the care provided by physician assistants. Additionally, the bill establishes malpractice insurance requirements, mandating that physician assistants not practicing under a practice agreement carry malpractice insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility.

For APRNs, the bill similarly requires them or their employers to maintain malpractice insurance, with specific provisions for those employed by federal or state agencies. New language has been added to clarify that APRNs working for state agencies covered by the Governmental Tort Claims Act are deemed compliant with the insurance requirements while practicing under such employment. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2026, following a favorable committee report from the Committee on Health and Human Services Oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 59-519.6
House Committee Substitute: 59-519.6
Floor (House): 59-519.6