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Bill

SB 1904

Professions and occupations; requiring reinstatement of the Hippocratic Oath for physicians. Effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Jett

Oklahoma bill requires physicians to take the Hippocratic Oath to practice, raising questions about which version applies and enforcement mechanisms.

Second Reading referred to Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · SB 1904

Legislative bill overview

SB 1904 would require physicians in Oklahoma to take or reinstate the Hippocratic Oath as a condition of practice or licensure. The bill establishes this ancient medical ethical pledge as a formal requirement within the state's medical regulatory framework, with an effective date specified in the legislation.

Why is this important

The Hippocratic Oath is a foundational symbol of medical ethics, but modern medicine has evolved significantly since its ancient origins. This bill raises questions about how historical oaths align with contemporary medical practice, informed consent requirements, and whether symbolic commitments should be legally mandated rather than voluntarily adopted by the medical profession.

Potential points of contention

  • Version ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify which version of the Hippocratic Oath would be required, as numerous modern adaptations exist with different language around abortion, euthanasia, and other controversial procedures
  • Religious and philosophical concerns: Some physicians and medical ethicists object to specific oath language on grounds of conscience, religious belief, or disagreement with particular provisions
  • Enforceability questions: Unclear how violations of oath requirements would be enforced, whether they would constitute grounds for license revocation, and what the legal remedy would be
  • Professional autonomy: Medical boards and physician organizations may view legislatively mandated oaths as government overreach into professional self-regulation

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

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