All Roll Calls
Yes: 166 • No: 11
OklahomaSB 1651Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision; modifying various provisions related to physicians and allied health professionals. Effective date.
Sponsored By: Brenda Stanley (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Senate Committee
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.
Respiratory care: telemedicine and easier licensing
Respiratory care may be done in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, or by telemedicine with a physician’s order and supervision. The Board can license by endorsement if your out‑of‑state qualifications are equivalent and you have no major discipline in the last 10 years. Approved NBRC credentials can also qualify.
Easier licensing for recreation therapists
If you are licensed or certified elsewhere as a therapeutic recreation specialist with similar standards, the Board can license you without an exam. On your first application, you may also receive a temporary license after you apply and pay required fees.
Pathway for international medical graduates
International medical graduates must show ECFMG proof, including English ability, and provide Board‑approved English translations and original‑source verification. The Board can approve an equivalent foreign MD degree and may require 12 to 24 months of added training to protect public safety. Limited licenses renew each year. After three years of practice in Oklahoma, a limited licensee may get a full license by staying in good standing and passing USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3.
Athletic trainer licensing and renewals
To get a license, you must pass the Board of Certification exam, pay the fee, and have no disqualifying acts. The Board Secretary can issue a temporary license once your requirements are verified; it ends at the next Board meeting. Starting January 1, 2027, you must renew each year by August 31 with proof of good standing and payment of the renewal fee.
New training license; trainees need a license
A special training license lets near‑final applicants do postgraduate training. It renews yearly by approval and does not guarantee a full license. Students in graduate medical training must also hold a Board‑issued license to train.
Emergency care at sports events allowed
A physician licensed in another state may give emergency care to their team’s members at a sporting event in Oklahoma. People authorized under state law may also give unpaid first aid at amateur events. These permissions apply only to emergency or voluntary, uncompensated aid.
Telemedicine clarified; no MOC mandate
Telemedicine counts as practicing medicine in Oklahoma when an Oklahoma‑licensed doctor treats a patient here. Providers who do this are under Oklahoma courts for related claims. The Board’s authority is limited to medical doctors and people who hold themselves out as MDs. The law also bars making Maintenance of Certification a condition for licensure, pay, employment, or admitting privileges.
Insurers must report injury claims
When a personal injury claim is made against a healer or licensed hospital, the insurer—or the uninsured party—must report it to the proper licensing board within 60 days of learning of the claim. The report must include basic claim details and, when the case ends, its outcome. Reports are privileged, and boards may act. Not reporting is a misdemeanor.
Fingerprint checks for trainer and OT licenses
For initial licensure, the Board can require national fingerprint background checks for athletic trainers and occupational therapists. You must submit fingerprints to OSBI. Results go to the Board only for screening and are not shared.
Law takes effect November 1, 2026
The law takes effect on November 1, 2026. It also repeals 59 O.S. 2021, Section 493.2. The repeal’s practical impact is not described here.
New oversight rules for athletic trainers
Starting November 1, 2026, a five‑member Advisory Committee (3 athletic trainers, 2 physicians) advises on trainer applications and licensure. Members can be reimbursed for travel under state rules. The Board now handles enforcement under the Act, and trainers cannot mislead about their credentials or services. Schools and athletic groups are not required to hire licensed athletic trainers.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Brenda Stanley
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Nicole Miller
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/6/2026
THIRD READING
Yes: 87 • No: 2
House vote • 4/15/2026
DO PASS
Yes: 13 • No: 0
House vote • 4/15/2026
DO PASS
Yes: 13 • No: 0
House vote • 4/1/2026
DO PASS
Yes: 5 • No: 0
House vote • 4/1/2026
DO PASS
Yes: 5 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/11/2026
THIRD READING
Yes: 32 • No: 9
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
Committee vote: Health & Human Services
Yes: 11 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Approved by Governor 05/11/2026
5/12/2026SenateSent to Governor
5/6/2026SenateSigned, returned to Senate
5/6/2026HouseEnrolled, to House
5/6/2026SenateReferred for enrollment
5/6/2026SenateSigned, returned to Senate
5/6/2026HouseThird Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 87 Nays: 2
5/6/2026HouseGeneral Order
5/6/2026HouseCR; Do Pass Health and Human Services Oversight Committee
4/16/2026HousePolicy recommendation to the Health and Human Services Oversight committee; Do Pass Public Health
4/1/2026HouseReferred to Public Health
3/30/2026HouseSecond Reading referred to Health and Human Services Oversight
3/30/2026HouseFirst Reading
3/12/2026HouseEngrossed to House
3/12/2026SenateReferred for engrossment
3/11/2026SenateMeasure passed: Ayes: 32 Nays: 9
3/11/2026SenateGeneral Order, Considered
3/11/2026SenatePlaced on General Order
3/4/2026SenateReported Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Health and Human Services committee; CR filed
3/2/2026SenateCoauthored by Representative Miller (principal House author)
2/10/2026SenateSecond Reading referred to Health and Human Services
2/3/2026SenateAuthored by Senator Stanley
2/2/2026SenateFirst Reading
2/2/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled (final version)
5/6/2026
Floor (House)
4/20/2026
House Committee Report
4/16/2026
House Policy Committee Report
4/1/2026
Engrossed
3/12/2026
Floor (Senate)
3/3/2026
Committee Substitute
3/2/2026
Senate Committee Report
3/2/2026
Introduced
1/13/2026
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