Oklahoma Enacts Legislation Significantly Modernizing PA Practice

House, Senate Override Governor’s Veto of Bill Lifting Practice Barriers

June 2, 2025

In a reminder to PA advocates in every state, the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates (OAPA) proved a familiar saying this week: It’s not over ‘til it’s over.

HB 2584, Oklahoma legislation that includes provisions to remove the requirement for a PA-physician practice agreement for PAs with more than 6,240 hours, was vetoed by Oklahoma Governor Stitt earlier this year.

However, on May 29, the Oklahoma Legislature overrode the governor’s veto with bipartisan support – passing 68-16 in the House and 33-13 in the Senate. The bill will take effect August 28, 2025.

“PAs are a vital component of the healthcare workforce. The passage of this law allows PAs to do what PAs do best, take care of patients,” said Jeff Burke, PA-C, President of the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates (OAPA). “On behalf of the OAPA and all of the PAs in Oklahoma, I would like to express our many thanks to House Speaker Hilbert and Senate Pro Tempore Paxton for authoring this bill. We are excited for the future and can’t wait for what tomorrow brings.”

In addition to reducing practice agreement requirements, the bill also expands PA prescriptive authority; however, some limitations with regards to prescribing will still be in place.

Under the updated law, once a PA has completed 6,240 clinical hours, they are no longer required to have a practice agreement with a physician and may prescribe Schedule 3 through 5 prescriptions.

The new law also expands PA authority to prescribe Schedule 2 medications. Previously, PAs in Oklahoma could only prescribe Schedule 2 drugs for immediate or ongoing administration in a clinical setting and only under supervision. Under the new law, PAs practicing under a practice agreement with a physician will now be able to prescribe Schedule 2 medications more broadly, offering greater flexibility in patient care.

According to a survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by AAPA in 2023, 72% of Oklahomans worry about healthcare workforce shortages affecting their families.

“The passage of HB 2584 is major step toward ensuring Oklahoma is mobilizing its PA workforce effectively,” said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA. “To meet the needs of patients, particularly those living in rural regions, it is critical that all healthcare providers practice to the fullest extent of their education, training, and experience.”

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