While much can be done inside doctors’ offices and hospitals to improve the health of our communities, it’s essential to recognize the vital role Oklahoma’s legislators play in crafting and supporting policies that benefit patients and advance medical practice. Organizations like the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) advocate on behalf of patients and physicians with the goal of supporting better health for all Oklahomans.

This goal is one of the things I hope Oklahomans will keep in mind as they vote in the upcoming runoff and gen-eral elections.

During my time as an OSMA member – and now president – I’ve witnessed the power of physicians and patients rallying together to promote and protect quality healthcare. Due to this advocacy, the 2024 legislative session was a success, as both patients and their physicians saw exceptional policy victories that will have a far-reaching impact on our state.

One such win was the passage of HB 3190, the Ensuring Transparency in Prior Authorization Act. Prior Authorization is a tool insurance companies use to determine if a patient’s plan will cover a prescription or service. Delays and confusion can impede necessary healthcare treatments for Oklahoma patients and worsen health outcomes.

OSMA’s advocacy at the legislature this year focused on how insurance plan bureaucracy interferes with the physician- patient relationship and harms patient care. Many states have addressed this concern, and we are glad to see Oklahoma join their ranks.

Passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Stitt in May, this landmark law will enhance patient care by streamlining prior authorization appeals and improving transparency in health insurers’ decision- making process. It is imperative that as we go to the polls to choose our legislators and elected leaders, we consider whether or not the candidates on the ballot will protect patients – or insurance company profits. While we were successful this year in gaining some ground in the battle to protect the relationship between patients and their doctors, we know the fight will continue.

Other bills this year raised concerns for Oklahoma’s physicians, especially those that sought to weaken public health and allow those without medical school training to provide primary care. While these bills did not become law during the 2024 session, history suggests that we’ll see them again next year, and a new crop of policymakers will have to consider their impact.

We will undoubtedly continue to see policy proposals that grow insurance bureaucracy, hinder rural access to care and erode the team approach to patient care. It’s our responsibility to help bridge the gap between the patients who entrust us with their care and the lawmakers who hold the power to enact laws that could affect them.

Advocacy is an extension of doctors’ oath to do no harm. I’m proud of our work to reject legislation that could undermine Oklahomans’ health and well-being and support policies that can improve our state’s dire health rankings. Together, we can defend the right of all Oklahomans to receive the quality care they deserve. Voting for candidates who will stand up for patients and physicians is a vital next step.

Edgar Morris Boyd, M.D. is an otolaryngologist in Muskogee, where he practices at the Warren Clinic Saint Francis Health System. He is president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association.