OSMA Requests Legislation Requiring Physicians on Health Care Authority Board


With the recent removal of both OSMA member physicians (Jean Hausheer, MD and Laura Shamblin, MD) from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) Board by Governor Stitt, there are currently NO physicians serving on the Board. Since the OHCA is responsible for providing health care services to Oklahoma’s Medicaid population, OSMA requested Senator Jessica Garvin (R-43)  sponsor legislation requiring the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) Board contain at least two physicians. The measure, SB 1158, increases the number on the OHCA Board from seven to nine members. In addition to their current appointments, the Senate President Pro Tempore would appoint a medical doctor and the Speaker of the House would appoint a doctor of osteopathy. The Oklahoman recently ran a front-page article about the issue and our requested legislation. As a reminder, the Oklahoma legislative session begins on Monday, February 7.