A proposed bill would allow Oklahoma's governor to directly appoint members of the board that decides who gets a license to practice medicine in the state and regulates physicians, NPR affiliate KOSU reported March 6.
Currently, the Oklahoma State Medical Association compiles a list of nominees for the Medical Board of Licensure and Supervision, most of whom are physicians. The governor then selects members using this list.
The new bill, if approved, would cut out the involvement of OSMA and the list of eligible nominees. The governor, speaker of the House and the Senate president pro tempore would be responsible for choosing board members.
Sen. Julie Daniels, author of the bill, proposed the legislation for the first time in 2022 but it was dismissed.
Opponents of the bill believe it will give the governor too much power and will make the board political.
Proponents believe it will provide more transparency and accountability, according to the news outlet.