HB 2194 Summary

• Amends the Oklahoma Telecommunications Act of 1997 by adding a definition of "not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse facility" to include facilities operated by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or certified as Community Mental Health Care Centers, Community-Based Structured Crisis Centers, or Community Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Centers.

• Makes not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse facilities eligible to receive Special Universal Services, including one free telecommunications line or wireless connection sufficient for telemedicine and clinical consultation services, with reimbursement from the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund.

• Clarifies that telecommunications carriers providing these services are entitled to reimbursement from the fund but cannot be reimbursed for Internet subscriber fees or charges resulting from Internet-accessed services.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2013.