Stark Bill Expanding Treatment Access Clears House
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, this week secured House passage of Senate Bill 933 , a measure creating the Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act. SB933 would establish a legal pathway for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses to access individualized investigational treatments tailored to their unique genetic profile when no other approved options remain. The bill would allow eligible patients, with physician approval and informed consent, to pursue customized treatments developed specifically for them. Participation is voluntary for manufacturers and the bill does not require insurance coverage. "Medicine is changing fast, especially when it comes to treatments built around a person's genetic makeup," Stark said. "For patients facing serious diagnoses, this creates an opportunity to explore those options closer to home and alongside their doctor." Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, is the Senate author of the measure. "This bill broadens access to innovative treatments, offering hope to terminally ill patients who have exhausted all approved options and cannot participate in clinical trials," Stanley said. "I’m proud to see this bill pass the House and look forward to finalizing it before the Senate, further improving quality, accessible health care in our state." The legislation outlines eligibility requirements, ensures patients are fully informed of potential risks and limits liability for providers and manufacturers acting in good faith. It also prohibits state entities from blocking a patient's access to treatment. Stark said the bill reflects a growing effort to make emerging, personalized treatments more accessible to patients facing serious diagnoses. The measure would build on similar laws enacted in other states and aims to give Oklahomans more options without requiring them to seek treatment outside the country. SB933 now returns to the Senate for consideration of House amendments.