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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.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kyle Hilbert and 1 co-sponsor

Oklahoma expands physician assistant authority to independently prescribe controlled substances with reduced physician supervision, overriding the governor's veto with legislative majorities.

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, allowing them to independently prescribe and administer controlled dangerous substances (including potentially opioids and other Schedule II-V drugs) with modified or reduced physician supervision requirements. The bill also modifies the composition and requirements of the committee overseeing PA activities under Oklahoma's Public Health Code.

Why is this important

This legislation significantly changes the regulatory framework for PA practice by reducing physician oversight requirements, which affects healthcare access, workforce flexibility, and patient safety protocols. The governor's veto and subsequent override (68-16 in House, 33-13 in Senate) indicates substantial legislative support but also meaningful gubernatorial concerns about the expansion.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and oversight: Reducing physician supervision of controlled substance prescribing raises concerns about adequate medical oversight, particularly for high-risk medications like opioids during the ongoing opioid crisis
  • Scope creep and standards: Expanding PA independent prescribing authority may conflict with national PA scope-of-practice standards and create inconsistency with neighboring states' regulations
  • Committee composition changes: Modifications to oversight committee membership and requirements could affect regulatory enforcement and accountability mechanisms for PA conduct

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

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