Senate approves bill to modernize Oklahoma Medical Board licensing and background checks

The Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Bill 443, a request bill from the Oklahoma Medical Board to modernize and streamline the board's licensing processes.

Senator Stanley told members the bill clarifies the roles of the board secretary and medical advisor, simplifies applicant background checks, updates the list of accrediting institutions (including accommodating Canadian education changes), allows license revocation on a felony plea rather than only after conviction, and clarifies the role of the Allied Professional Peer Assistance Program coordinator. She said the bill aligns state statute with OSBI and FBI background-check requirements for MD and PA compact licenses.

There were no questions on the floor after the explanation, and senators advanced the bill; the roll shows the final recorded tally at 39 ayes and 4 nays, and the chair declared SB 443 passed as an emergency measure.

The bill updates licensing processes for the Oklahoma Medical Board; details such as implementation timelines and administrative procedures will be handled by the board and relevant agencies after enactment.