§ 56-1011.8. Program to encourage use of primary care services in lieu of emergency room services.

A.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall continue to develop and administer a program that will encourage the timely and appropriate use of primary care services in lieu of emergency room utilization.  The program shall include, but not be limited to, the implementation of:

1.  Educational strategies;

2.  Technology-based monitoring; and

3.  Co-payment structures as provided for in Section 3 of this act.

B.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority may develop a pilot program utilizing state-licensed health care professionals to perform educational interventions with consumers who highly utilize emergency room services or to perform other services to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.

C.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall develop and implement a telephone information health line pilot program under which physicians are available by telephone twenty-four (24) hours a day to answer medical questions and provide health information for the Medicaid population.  If the Health Care Authority determines that the pilot program reduces unnecessary emergency room visits and the pilot program demonstrates a net cost-savings, the Health Care Authority shall expand the program into a statewide initiative.

D.  The Oklahoma Health Care Authority shall evaluate and report findings to the Governor and the Legislature by January 1, 2008.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 315, § 8, emerg. eff. June 9, 2006.