Bill > HB2018

This bill amends Oklahoma's educational definitions to include physical therapists and occupational therapists as professionals who receive the same legal protections and benefits as certified teachers when employed full-time by a school board. Specifically, the bill defines physical therapists as those with current certification from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and state licensure, and occupational therapists as those with current certification from the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy and state licensure. These professionals will now be accorded the same legal protections and benefits as certified teachers, expanding the existing law that previously included similar provisions for roles like school nurses and athletic trainers. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and contains an emergency clause, which means it can take effect immediately upon passage and approval, potentially allowing these healthcare professionals to receive expanded benefits in the school system more quickly.

Budget and Finance

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2018&Session=2600