Oklahoma is facing a crisis in quality, accessible health care options in rural areas of the state.
With a large portion of Oklahoma’s population living within the state’s urban cores, driving hours for routine medical services seems unimaginable. But for those who live in rural areas, simple medical procedures – such as X-rays, preventative screenings and immunizations – can mean traveling halfway across the state.
The quality of life available for farmers and ranchers who live in rural Oklahoma plays a large role in the overall success of Oklahoma agriculture. That’s why OKFB members are committed to improving rural health care throughout the state.
Easing supervision requirements for nurse practitioners
In many rural areas of Oklahoma, nurse practitioners play a significant role in providing critical medical services. Yet current state law requires these medical professionals to practice under the supervision of a physician.
Easing supervision requirements for nurse practitioners can help improve affordable and accessible health care options throughout the state.
We support easing physician supervision requirements for nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists to improve affordable and accessible health care in Oklahoma.”
OKFB Policy Book 2019
Recruiting medical professionals to rural areas
Rural Oklahoma is experiencing a severe shortage in the number of primary care physicians.
Using methods such as student loan forgiveness programs, Oklahoma should work to attract doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other medical professionals to rural Oklahoma.
We support programs and legislation that will encourage medical doctors to establish practices in rural Oklahoma…to increase the level of timely care, we should reinstate the student loan forgiveness program to physician assistants and nurse practitioners who practice in rural areas.”
OKFB Policy Book 2019
Telemedicine
Rural medical facilities also should be armed with technology such as telemedicine programs to bring the services of the state’s larger medical facilities to rural areas.
We support maintaining medical facilities staffed by competent, trained personnel in rural hospitals that are supported by telemedicine to a larger health care facility.”
OKFB Policy Book 2019
