Sen. Kirt’s bill to improve access to mental health care advances

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt won committee approval for legislation aimed at lowering health care costs, helping Oklahomans maintain good mental health and preventing crises. Senate Bill 670 passed the Health and Human Services committee on Monday.

“We know we can improve overall health and decrease the cost of care by catching things early, but the problem is that for many Oklahomans, mental health care is too expensive. Even if they have resources to cover the cost, there’s a shortage of caregivers,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “Family doctors are well-positioned to help more people identify their mental health needs. My legislation will help better utilize primary care providers to address this critical need.”

SB 670 would require medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to receive one hour of continuing education in integrated behavioral health care. The bill would require those providers to include an evidence-based mental health screening to each patient during or before a routine primary care visit. This bill is based on research by the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative.

“The Legislature has begun to tackle the shortages in providers, but in the meantime, we still need to find ways to address this unmet need,” Kirt said. “That’s what SB 670 is about.”

SB 670 must next be considered by the full Senate.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov