OKLAHOMA CITY — A ceremonial signing was held for House Bill 1687, which updates Oklahoma law governing advance healthcare directives and medical decision-making.

House Bill 1687, authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, creates the Uniform Health Care Decisions Act of 2026. The law gives Oklahomans clearer options for documenting their healthcare preferences, appointing an agent and designating who may make decisions if they lose the ability to do so themselves.

"I know how difficult healthcare decisions can be for patients and their loved ones," Roe said. "This signing represents years of careful work to give Oklahomans a stronger voice in their healthcare, protects patients’ wishes while giving families and medical professionals clear guidance when it matters most."

HB1687 presumes individuals have the capacity to make or revoke healthcare decisions unless a court determines otherwise or qualified medical professionals properly rebut that presumption.

"We began this work during the 2025 legislative session and continued working closely with Oklahoma for Life and many others to make sure the language was compassionate and carefully crafted for families facing very difficult medical decisions," Roe said. "I am proud to see this legislation now signed into law."

The law also establishes safeguards for patient rights, permits directives addressing mental health care and provides legal protections for healthcare professionals and institutions acting in good faith.

HB1687 takes effect July 1, 2027.