HB 1566 Summary

• Establishes "Neil's Law" and the "Oklahoma Elder Exploitation and Abuse Act" creating civil causes of action for neglect, exploitation, or abuse of incapacitated persons and vulnerable adults.

• Allows vulnerable adults or their legal representatives (guardians, conservators, power of attorney holders, estate representatives) to file claims in district court in the county where the vulnerable adult resides or resided at the time of the alleged harm.

• Provides for actual damages plus punitive damages for neglect or financial neglect cases; provides for treble damages (three times actual damages) plus punitive damages for exploitation or abuse cases, with prevailing parties recovering attorney fees and costs.

• Permits district courts to issue restraining orders and authorizes courts to grant access to financial, legal, mental health, and physical health records of the vulnerable adult within 10 days of court order.

• Allows claims to survive the death of a vulnerable adult and suspends physician-patient and spousal privileges in judicial proceedings under the act; effective November 1, 2025.