OK SB1540

Create the State Department of Health Professional Licensure to provide administrative and support services to 17 health licensing boards including podiatry, chiropractic, cosmetology, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, optometry, osteopathy, social work, psychology, speech pathology, alcohol and drug counseling, perfusionism, behavioral health, and long-term care administrators.

Governor appoints a Director with Senate confirmation to serve as the executive and administrative officer; Director's salary set by Governor and appointed based on ability, training and public administration experience.

Transfer all administrative and support functions, employees, equipment, supplies, records, assets, liabilities, and fund balances from the 17 health licensing boards to the new Department effective July 1, 2016.

Director assumes statutory duties of administrative and support staff previously employed by the health licensing boards and formulates policies and adopts rules for Department administration.

Department authorized to contract for and purchase office supplies, equipment, furniture, and rent office space; Director of Office of Management and Enterprise Services coordinates transfer of funds and financial obligations; emergency clause invokes immediate effect upon passage.