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HB 2584

Physicians assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; Committee; members; requirements; Public Health Code; authority for physician assistants to carry out certain functions; prescribing and administering controlled substances; supervision.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kyle Hilbert and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma expands physician assistant authority to prescribe and administer controlled dangerous substances under modified supervision requirements, overriding the governor's veto.

Filed with Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · HB 2584

Legislative bill overview

HB 2584 expands the prescribing authority of physician assistants (PAs) in Oklahoma by allowing them to prescribe and administer controlled dangerous substances with specified supervision requirements. The bill modifies the Pharmacy Act and Physician Assistant Act to clarify PA scope of practice regarding controlled substances, including establishing committee membership requirements for oversight.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects healthcare access and workforce flexibility in Oklahoma by enabling PAs to independently manage pain management, addiction treatment, and other conditions requiring controlled substances—potentially increasing patient access to care in underserved areas. The veto override (passed with bipartisan support in both chambers) indicates the legislature prioritized expanding PA autonomy over gubernatorial concerns about supervision safeguards.

Potential points of contention

  • Supervision requirements: The bill's specific supervision standards for PA prescribing of controlled substances may be viewed as either sufficiently protective or inadequately restrictive depending on stakeholder perspective
  • Regulatory consistency: Questions about whether PA prescribing authority matches medical doctor standards or creates two-tiered prescribing protocols could create implementation challenges
  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may worry about increased controlled substance diversion or misuse if PA prescribing lacks robust monitoring mechanisms compared to physician-only prescribing

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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