SB829 Summary

• Effective January 1, 2016, the Governor appoints or may re-appoint Executive Directors, Commissioners, or Chief Executive Officers of ten specified state boards and agencies, with Senate confirmation within 90 days, replacing prior appointment authority held by governing boards.

• Affected positions include Executive Directors of the Podiatric Medical Examiners, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medical Licensure and Supervision, Osteopathic Examiners, and Veterinary Medical Examiners boards; Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Commissioner of Health; Chief Operating Officer of Oklahoma Health Care Authority; and Executive Director of Office of Juvenile Affairs.

• Appointees serve at the pleasure of the Governor for co-terminus terms and are no longer removable only for cause by their respective boards.

• All affected agency boards retain authority to hire other administrative, clerical, investigative, and legal personnel, with the exception of the top executive positions now appointed by the Governor.

• Bill becomes effective November 1, 2015.