Pardons and paroles; requiring medical director of the Department of Corrections to make certain request. Effective date.

Medical parole review for sick inmates

Beginning November 1, 2026, Oklahoma’s corrections medical director replaces the corrections director as the official who can request medical parole review. The medical director must certify records of the inmate’s medical condition. The parole board’s executive director must put qualifying inmates on the first available review docket, without the usual two-stage hearing. This covers inmates who are dying, near death, medically frail, medically vulnerable, or no longer an unreasonable public safety threat because of their condition. Dying or near death means a life expectancy of six months or less. Medical frailty means being unable to perform at least two daily activities independently, such as eating, bathing, dressing, or changing positions. Medical vulnerability means having conditions that increase the risk of catching an illness in custody that could cause death or frailty. The frailty and vulnerability definitions apply during a catastrophic health emergency declared by the Governor. Covered medical conditions include disabling mental or brain disorders, HIV or AIDS, cancer, heart or lung disease, asthma, diabetes, hepatitis C, seizures, disabling neurological disorders, life-sustaining care, and immune conditions needing specialty care or repeated hospital stays. Review does not guarantee release: at least three board members must agree, and the minutes must identify voting and concurring members. Medical parole does not cover inmates serving life without parole. Victims must receive required notices. Medical parole can be revoked through normal procedures if continued release creates an increased public safety risk.