What Oklahoma’s new nurse practitioner law means for patients and providers

This week, Oklahoma lawmakers overrode Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto on a bill that gives nurse practitioners more independence. The new law allows qualified nurse practitioners to prescribe medications without a supervising physician — a move supporters say will improve access to care, especially in rural communities.

What does the new law do?

The law allows nurse practitioners to apply for independent prescriptive authority, meaning they will no longer need a physician's signature to prescribe medications like antibiotics or blood pressure medications.

>>> What are the qualifications required for nurse practitioners to obtain independent prescriptive authority in Oklahoma?

Why did Governor Stitt veto it?

Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed the bill Wednesday, saying nurse practitioners should be supervised by licensed physicians.

He voiced his frustration after the override, warning voters to pay attention to how lawmakers voted:

Gov. Kevin Stitt:

"You gotta know how these people vote – and are they voting for bigger government and to override the governor’s vetoes..."

What changed after the veto?

Despite the governor's objections, the House and Senate voted to override the veto, making the bill law. It will take effect in November.

What does a local nurse practitioner say?

Shelby Pope, a family and psychiatric nurse practitioner and owner of Holiatry Health and Wellness in Skiatook, says the new law eliminates red tape and lowers costs for small practices like hers.

Shelby Pope:

"He or she [the overseeing physician] does not have to see any of my patients... I just need his name on the piece of paper that I submit to the state so that I can prescribe medications."

Was she surprised by the governor’s veto?

Shelby Pope:

“It was probably a little emotional disappointment, but not entirely surprised, because Governor Stitt vetoed it last year as well.”

How will this change patient care?

Pope says the new law will improve access and keep small, patient-focused clinics open, especially in rural or underserved areas.

Shelby Pope:

“If we get into a bind and we don’t have prescriptive authority, then we get desperate... and that just doesn’t work long term.”

Is nurse practitioner care safe?

Pope agrees that education quality and safety are important, and says she and others are committed to meeting those standards.

>>> How does Oklahoma’s new law for nurse practitioners compare to other states?

Shelby Pope:

“As Governor Stitt said, if we wanted to practice medicine, we should have gone to medical school... While that’s a little bit offensive, I do understand his sentiment... we need to ensure that the quality of education that we’re pursuing is sound.”

Why is this personal for her?

Pope runs a holistic clinic with long visits focused on lifestyle and preventive care. She accepts insurance and has affordable cash-pay rates.

Shelby Pope:

“I am extremely passionate about accessible and equitable healthcare... If I had to close tomorrow, 600 patients would have to figure out healthcare again.”

When does the new law take effect?

The law takes effect in November.