Oklahoma Governor Signs Two Bills into Law that will Increase the Quality of Care in LTC Facilities

June 04, 2019

The Oklahoma Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman applauds Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt for signing two significant bills into law that will increase the quality of care provided to residents in Oklahoma’s long term care facilities. 

SB280, initiated and negotiated by a broad-based coalition, including the for-profit and not-for-profits sectors, will improve a resident’s stay in a long term care facility. SB280 establishes a pay-for performance program, which includes quality measures; increases direct care staffing; increases the personal needs allowance; increases the mandatory Alzheimer’s/Dementia training; increases the number of Long Term Care Ombudsmen; and ensures provider accountability and transparency.

SB142 prohibits a long-term care facility resident from being prescribed or administered an antipsychotic drug, except in case of emergency, which was not already prescribed prior to admission, unless certain conditions are met. The resident must have been examined and diagnosed with a psychiatric condition; nonpharmacological care options must have been unsuccessful; the resident or representative must have provided informed consent; and, in the case of emergency, the minimum dosage and duration that is prudent must be prescribed.

Additional information is available here.