medium impactLicensure Compactstate_board_sunset_extensionOklahoma

[OK] SB397: State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure; extending sunset date. Effective date. Emergency.

February 12, 2026Source: LegiScanBill: SB397Status: signedEffective: February 12, 2026
62
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Impact on your practice

Oklahoma's behavioral health licensing board will continue operating beyond its original sunset date. This preserves regulatory infrastructure for LCSWs, LPCs, and other behavioral health providers in the state and prevents licensing disruptions.

Key facts

1

Extends the sunset date for Oklahoma's State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure

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Signed into law by Governor on February 12, 2026

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Marked as emergency legislation, indicating urgent need to prevent board dissolution

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Ensures continuity of behavioral health licensure and regulatory oversight in Oklahoma

States affected

Oklahoma
Analysis by Therapy Companion AI policy engineConfidence: highAnalyzed: August 20, 2026

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