Issues Impacting Oklahoma Doctors


“Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

Lawsuit Reform, Insurance Intrusion, Government Interference, Health Information Exchange, Scope of Practice Expansion, Women’s Health, Mental Health…and the list goes on! There are numerous legislative challenges facing physicians today, which is why it is essential to be involved and engaged in the legislative session. As your advocates at the State Capitol, the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) works to actively advocate for the physician profession and keep you informed about issues impacting your patients and your practice.


Areas of concern:

  • Legal Reform: Restore non-economic damage limits and pursue “certificate of merit” requirements providing greater protections for physicians from unnecessary and frivolous litigation. Promote access to care by providing physicians with a stable and lower-cost medical liability system.

  • Scope of Practice: Defend against any legislation that would expand the scopes of practice for non-physician providers without the approval of the Oklahoma Patients’ Coalition. Support efforts to ensure that allopathic and osteopathic physicians are appropriately referenced in any legislation dealing with medical diagnosis and procedures. Oppose any legislation that could jeopardize patient safety.

  • Physician Practice: Oppose legislation that would either require or prohibit specific courses of treatment or otherwise override a physician’s medical judgment. Oppose efforts to interfere in the physician/patient relationship. Oppose efforts by nonphysicians to dictate or influence medical school curricula or continuing medical education requirements. Support efforts to decrease administrative burdens on physician offices.

  • Reimbursement: Maintain adequate physician reimbursement through Oklahoma’s new Medicaid Managed Care administrative system and support legislative/insurance reforms that will help maintain those levels. Promote access to care through other initiatives and incentives for physicians to see Medicaid patients and to serve in rural & underserved communities.

  • Insurance Reform: Promote legislation enhancing physician “pre-authorization” for services provided in a hospital setting. Also support cost transparency associated with health care.

  • Public Health: In the case of enhanced exposure to any pandemic (coronavirus or other variants), support public health initiatives such as mask-wearing, social distancing and hand cleansing while also promoting anti-tobacco, anti-obesity and other initiatives to improve the public health in Oklahoma.

  • Government Oversight: Return board oversight to the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

Additional Resources:

For more information on state legislative issues contact Matt Robison.


Legislative Updates

Weekly Legislative Update: March 10, 2024

Posted on 3/12/2024
(Members Only) The 2024 MEDICINE DAY was filled with white coats and patient advocacy…both of which represent pathways to robust and positive health outcomes for all Oklahomans.

Tulsa World: Oklahoma Physicians Advocate for Improved Health Care Access

Posted on 3/6/2024
OKLAHOMA CITY — Physicians from around Oklahoma gathered Tuesday in the Capitol rotunda to advocate for better access to care and incentives to grow the medical field in the state.

Weekly Legislative Update: March 3, 2024

Posted on 3/4/2024
(Members Only) The first major deadline occurred last week. Measures had to be out of Committee in their House of Origin. From nearly 5,000 bills filed for the current 59th state legislature, 1,721 bills and resolutions are still available to be...

Weekly Legislative Update: February 25, 2024

Posted on 2/26/2024
(Members Only)

Weekly Legislative Update: February 18, 2024

Posted on 2/26/2024
(members only - sign in to view) The House of Medicine faced challenges this week.

Weekly Legislative Update: February 10, 2024

Posted on 2/12/2024
(Members Only) The Second Session of the 59th Oklahoma State Legislature began this week. Committee work will be conducted through February 29 and out of the chamber of origin by Thursday, March 21.