New law provides more doctor and nurse training in Oklahoma

Posted on: 5/14/21

Leaders from the University of Oklahoma (OU), OU Health and the Oklahoma Legislature gathered Tuesday to celebrate Senate Bill 79 becoming law.

SB 79, which was recently signed by the governor, restores a historic sales tax credit to free up funds for OU Health to train:
• 70 medical residents within three years
• 110 nursing graduates a year
• 50 new nurse practitioners a year

University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr., said SB 79 is well-timed as OU Physicians, the University Hospitals Authority and Trust and OU Medicine, Inc. prepare to merge.

“As we create Oklahoma’s first truly integrated, comprehensive academic health system, SB 79 will further our central work of educating tomorrow’s health professionals and creating a healthier Oklahoma,” Harroz said. “Critically, it will help address our state’s physician shortage, because we know doctors who train here, stay here.”

Oklahoma ranks No. 46 in physicians per capita, but No. 11 in the nation for retaining medical residents.

“SB 79 is a major step forward for developing Oklahoma’s health care workforce,” said Chuck Spicer, OU Medicine, Inc. president and CEO. “Our state faces a shortage of doctors and nurses, and this law will help OU Health generate health care providers with the breadth of experience that only a comprehensive academic health system can provide. We offer our thanks to the House and Senate, the bill authors, leadership in both houses for moving the bill forward, and to the governor for his signature.”

Harroz noted a broad effort was required to raise the level of health care across the state.

“Administrators, academics, clinicians, lawmakers and elected officials all came together to make this happen, and we’re thankful for their passion and dedication to serving all Oklahomans,” he said. “Everyone involved in this effort deserves the thanks of Oklahomans who will soon enjoy better access to high-quality health care.”