OKLAHOMA CITY — Physician assistants in Oklahoma now have greater authority to practice medicine under a new law that survived a gubernatorial veto and took effect Aug. 28.
House Bill 2584, passed by lawmakers in May, was vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt on May 28. Both chambers swiftly voted to override the veto the following day. The measure marks the most significant update to Oklahoma’s physician assistant practice act in decades.
The law reduces supervisory requirements and allows physician assistants to practice to the full extent of their training while maintaining collaborative relationships with physicians. Supporters say the change will help expand access to care, particularly in communities facing workforce shortages.
“PAs are a vital component of the health care workforce,” said Jeff Burke, PA-C, president of the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates. “The passage of this law allows PAs to do what PAs do best: take care of patients.”
The American Academy of Physician Associates described the legislation as “a major step toward ensuring Oklahoma is mobilizing its PA workforce effectively.”
Stitt objected in his veto message, warning that the bill risked weakening safeguards around medical oversight. “By removing critical guardrails that ensure physician assistants operate under the supervision of licensed physicians, this legislation could jeopardize patient safety,” he wrote. The governor argued that changes of this scale should be carefully studied rather than “pushed through without broader consensus.”
Despite those concerns, lawmakers overrode the veto with a 68–16 vote in the House and a 33–13 vote in the Senate.
According to the bill’s fiscal analysis, HB 2584 authorizes PAs to enter into practice agreements that define their scope of services with more flexibility than prior law. It also streamlines licensing procedures under the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Analysts noted that the measure was not expected to have a fiscal impact on state agencies.
With the law in effect, Oklahoma joins a growing number of states granting physician assistants expanded practice rights as policymakers look for ways to address physician shortages and rising patient demand.
Brett is the founder, and editor in chief of Oklahoma City Free Press. He continues to contribute reporting and photography to the efforts of the publication as well as leadership in developing support.
