SB937 Summary

• Creates the Task Force on Prescription Drug Fatality to study prescription drug-related deaths and recommend measures to reduce overdoses and abuse fatalities to the Legislature, continuing until July 1, 2015.

• Task Force comprises 21 members including directors from medical, osteopathic, dental, pharmacy, and veterinary licensing boards; representatives from law enforcement, medical associations, and both chambers of the Legislature; plus gubernatorial appointees.

• Establishes an investigations team coordinated by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs to examine individual overdose deaths, using personnel from various state agencies and local law enforcement.

• Investigative team reports are exempt from Oklahoma Open Records Act disclosure and must redact names and identifiers before Task Force review; reports must detail overdose type, state assistance status, criminal history, substance abuse treatment, and prescription drug history.

• Declares an emergency, making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.