Bill > SB1798

This bill, known as the Medical Ethics Defense Act, establishes protections for medical practitioners, health care institutions, and health care payers in Oklahoma regarding their freedom of conscience, which refers to their ethical, moral, or religious beliefs. It grants these entities the right to refuse to participate in or pay for any medical procedure or service that violates their conscience, without facing civil, criminal, or administrative liability. The act defines key terms like "conscience," "discrimination" (which includes actions like termination of employment or denial of licensure due to conscience objections), and "medical procedure or service." It also specifies that religious healthcare entities can make employment and staffing decisions consistent with their religious beliefs. A significant provision requires healthcare practitioners to affirmatively consent in writing before being scheduled or asked to participate in an abortion. The bill also prohibits discrimination against practitioners who report violations of the act or testify about them, and limits the ability of licensing boards to sanction practitioners for protected speech unless it directly causes physical harm. Finally, it allows for civil actions to recover damages, including treble damages and attorney fees, for violations of these conscience rights, with exceptions for emergency medical treatments.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1798&Session=2600