Bill > HB1344

This bill introduces comprehensive provisions regarding off-label medication prescriptions in Oklahoma, establishing clear guidelines for healthcare professionals. The legislation defines key terms like "off-label drug" (a FDA-approved medication prescribed for a different medical purpose), and establishes that prescribers can issue prescriptions for off-label drugs after obtaining informed consent from patients, their parents/guardians, or healthcare power of attorney holders. The bill allows pharmacists and healthcare facilities to dispense off-label medications with certain protections, including moral, ethical, or religious exemptions and immunity from liability when dispensing drugs in good faith. Healthcare professionals are protected from disciplinary action for prescribing or dispensing off-label medications, except in cases of recklessness or gross negligence. The bill also explicitly prohibits the World Health Organization from having jurisdiction in Oklahoma and prevents state agencies from implementing WHO guidelines that would restrict off-label drug prescriptions. Notably, the bill does not require patients to have specific test results or prior exposure to a disease before receiving an off-label prescription, and it provides a mechanism for patients to access potentially life-saving treatments in challenging medical situations, such as allowing outside physicians to obtain temporary privileges in hospitals to prescribe off-label drugs. The legislation will become effective on November 1, 2025.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1344&Session=2600