Oklahoma Bill Regarding the Licensure of Abortion Facilities (SB 754)

SB 754 would require the State Board of Health to establish policies and procedures for conducting pre-licensure and re-licensure inspections of abortion facilities.

Prior to issuing or reissuing a license, the Department would need to conduct an on-site inspection to ensure compliance with the rules promulgated by the Board.

The Board would need to promulgate rules for conducting inspections and investigations pursuant to complaints received by the State Department of Health and made against any abortion facility.

This provision would ostensibly allow anyone to harass a clinic and cause repeated and unnecessary inspections.

If the State Commissioner of Health determines that there is reasonable cause to believe a licensee, licensed abortion facility or abortion facility that is required to be licensed in this state is not adhering to the requirements, the Commissioner and any duly-designated employee may enter the facility to determine compliance.

The bill would require inspections for any application for a license to operate a private office, freestanding outpatient clinic or other facility or clinic in which abortions are performed.

If an inspection or investigation conducted pursuant to this provision reveals that an applicant, licensee or licensed abortion facility is not adhering to the requirements of this provision, the Commissioner may take action to deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license to operate an abortion facility.

If passed, the law would take effect on November 1, 2017.

Related Legislation

Based on model legislation drafted by Americans United for Life.

People

Organizations

• Americans United for Life — Drafted Model Law