Stark ‘Right to Try’ Measure Advances From House Oversight Committee
OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, is now eligible to be heard on the House floor after advancing this past week from the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Senate Bill 933, also known as the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act, would allow eligible patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access customized investigational treatments developed specifically for their genetic profile when no other approved options remain. The measure establishes eligibility requirements for patients, including physician approval and informed consent, and allows treatment to be provided by manufacturers operating within approved facilities. Participation would be voluntary for manufacturers and the bill does not require insurance coverage for the treatments. "We’re talking about people who are facing serious, often end-of-life situations where standard treatments just aren’t working," Stark said. "This gives them a chance to look at something more targeted and make that decision with their doctor." The legislation also includes protections for health care providers and manufacturers acting in good faith and prohibits state entities from blocking a patient’s access to treatment. SB933 passed the House Health and Human Services Oversight Committee unanimously and is now eligible for consideration on the House floor.