A measure to ensure that the state’s Federally Qualified Health Centers adhere to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act was signed into law by Governor Brad Henry Tuesday.

Senate Bill 708, authored by Senator Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, was written as a safeguard against Federally Qualified Health Centers acting outside the bylaws that govern them as well as state and federal laws.

Oklahoma currently has seven Federally Qualified Health Centers. Four new centers were authorized earlier this week and that number is expected to increase to thirty in the future.

“Of the seven health centers currently operating, three have had board problems. They’ve been found in violation of both federal guidelines and the Open Meetings Act, and they had no board training,” said Wilson. “I felt it was too much of a risk for our health care system not to address this problem. These centers could lose both their federal and state funding if these problems weren’t addressed and that could have essentially meant shutting their doors.”

Wilson noted that as providers of health care to medically underserved populations, these centers are extremely beneficial to the citizens of Oklahoma and crucial to the state.

Besides adhering to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act and remaining in compliance with all federal statutes, regulations, policies and the center’s own bylaws, the bill also states that if board members do not follow the provisions of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, they will be subject to criminal penalties as provided by the act.

SB 708 sets out a definite set of consequences for not following state and federal regulations and the Open Meeting Act. The bill gives the State Department of Health the authority to investigate reported violations of this act. If violations are found, they are to be reported to the appropriate federal agency. The Department of Health will also report any Open Meetings violations to the local district attorney.
The measure requires training for board members and also establishes a procedure for removing board members who do not follow the law.

“These health care centers are the future of primary health care in Oklahoma. I want to make sure that our boards are following state and federal guidelines and rules so that our health care system can continue to grow,” Wilson said.

For more information contact:
Senate Communications Office- (405) 521-5774