Rep. Sean Roberts-R Hominy

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House passed a bill yesterday which would create the Brain Death Standards Act.

House Bill 1896, sponsored by Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, and requested by Oklahomans for Life, directs the Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision to declare certain rules in regards to brain death standards, requires the Board to consider standards and guidelines and amend its rules when there are changes to those standards, and prohibits the declaration of brain death by certain persons. Additionally it provides rules prohibiting potentially significant conflicts of interest.

“End of life declarations are very difficult for all parties involved including families and doctors who are tasked with delivering the news,” said Roberts. “This Act will provide continuing training and education for physicians tasked with end of life declarations, allow for the standards and guidelines to change as needed due to new scientific research and discovery and keep doctors from finding themselves in potential conflict of interest situations. It provides some structure and guidance for this very difficult situation.”

HB 1896 passed by a vote of 77-16 and is now eligible to be heard by the Senate.