SB 2197 Summary

• Amends law governing Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Oklahoma to require continuous compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and policies under 42 U.S.C. 254b and related federal provisions.

• Designates FQHC boards of directors as public bodies subject to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, including criminal penalties for violations.

• Makes FQHCs ineligible for state reimbursement for uncompensated care if they fail to comply with federal requirements or if board members convicted of Open Meeting Act violations are not removed.

• Requires the State Department of Health to investigate violations, enforce compliance by withholding reimbursement, and report violations to federal funding agencies and district attorneys.

• Directs the State Board of Health to adopt rules requiring board member training and certification for FQHCs to remain eligible for state reimbursement; effective November 1, 2010.