We are pleased to see the Oklahoma State Senate advancing House Bill 1686 (HB1686), a critical step toward improving early detection and treatment of sepsis in hospitals across the state.

The bill, authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe (R-Lindsay), passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives with an overwhelming 86-7 vote and is now under consideration by the Senate. If enacted, HB1686 would require hospitals in Oklahoma to implement standardized sepsis protocols, ensuring timely intervention—a crucial factor in preventing unnecessary deaths from sepsis.

Why This Bill Matters

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to infection triggers widespread inflammation, leading to organ failure and, often, death. According to the Oklahoma Hospital Association, up to 80% of sepsis-related deaths are preventable with early detection and proper treatment.

According to Oklahoma House of Representatives, “changes to Medicare and Medicaid billing in 2016 made it more difficult for patients with early-stage sepsis to receive covered treatment—limiting coverage to severe cases involving organ failure. This delay in care puts lives at risk and burdens hospitals and families with high medical costs.

HB1686 aims to bridge this gap by ensuring hospitals establish early detection protocols and allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover sepsis prevention efforts, rather than waiting until a patient is in critical condition.”

A Step Toward Saving Lives

“Sepsis is a life-threatening condition, and timely intervention is key to saving lives,” said Rep. Roe. “This bill ensures that hospitals have the necessary protocols in place to detect and treat sepsis early, improving patient outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.”

If passed, HB1686 would take effect on November 1—a crucial milestone in the fight against sepsis in Oklahoma and a model for other states to follow.

End Sepsis: Advocating for Change

At End Sepsis, we have long championed efforts to improve sepsis protocols at both the state and federal levels. We were first in the nation to implement, Rory’s Regulations, a set of regulations implemented in New York State to improve the rapid diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. The regulations have saved thousands of lives.

We commend Rep. Roe and the Oklahoma legislature for prioritizing this issue, and we urge lawmakers to continue supporting policies that save lives through early sepsis detection and treatment.

We will continue to monitor HB1686 as it progresses through the Oklahoma Senate and advocate for similar legislation across the country. Every second counts when it comes to sepsis—early action saves lives.