reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-686.14. Termination of authority.

The authority of emergency interim successors to succeed to the powers and duties of legislators, the operation of the provisions of this act relating to quorum, the number of affirmative votes required for legislative action, and limitations on the length of sessions and the subjects which may be acted upon shall expire two (2) years following the inception of an emergency or disaster, but nothing herein shall prevent the resumption before such time of the filling of legislative vacancies and the calling of elections for the Legislature in accordance with applicable constitutional and statutory provisions. The Governor, acting by proclamation, or the Legislature, acting by concurrent resolution, may from time to time extend or restore such authority or the operation of any of such provisions upon a finding that events render the extension or restoration necessary, but no extension or restoration shall be for a period of more than one (1) year.
Added by Laws 1959, p. 217, § 14, emerg. eff. June 5, 1959. Amended by Laws 1963, c. 340, § 14, emerg. eff. June 24, 1963; Laws 2003, c. 329, § 44, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-687.1. Citation.

This act shall be known as the "Emergency Interim Relocation Act", and shall be cumulative to the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act of 2003.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 587, § 1, emerg. eff. July 11, 1961. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 45, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-687.2. Definitions.

As used in this act:
1. “Emergency” means any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President of the United States or the Governor of the State of Oklahoma, federal or state assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives, protect property, public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the state; and
2. “Man-made disaster” means a disaster caused by acts of man including, but not limited to, an act of war, terrorism, chemical spill or release, or power shortage that requires assistance from outside the local political subdivision.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 587, § 2, emerg. eff. July 11, 1961. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 46, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-687.3. Temporary disaster locations for seat of state government.

A. Whenever a disaster makes it imprudent or impossible to conduct the affairs of state government at its seat in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Governor may proclaim temporary locations for the seat of state government at any place he deems advisable, either inside or outside of the state. The Governor may issue necessary orders for orderly transition of the affairs of government to any temporary emergency or man-made disaster location, which remains the seat of state government until the Legislature establishes a new location, or until the emergency or man-made disaster is declared ended by the Legislature and the seat is returned to its normal location in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
B. Any official act or meeting required to be performed at the seat of state government is valid when performed at a temporary emergency or man-made disaster location under this section.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 588, § 3, emerg. eff. July 11, 1961. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 47, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-687.4. Temporary disaster locations for seat of local government.

A. Whenever an emergency or man-made disaster makes it imprudent or impossible to conduct the affairs of any local government at its regular location, the governing body may meet at any place, inside or outside the limits of the political subdivision, at the call of the presiding officer or any two members of the governing body, and designate by ordinance a temporary emergency or man-made disaster location of the local government, which remains the seat of the local government until the governing body establishes a new location or until the emergency or man-made disaster is declared ended by the Legislature and the seat is returned to its normal location.
B. Any official act or meeting required to be performed at the seat of the local government is valid when performed at a temporary emergency or man-made disaster location under this section.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 588, § 4, emerg. eff. July 11, 1961. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 48, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-690.1. Short title – Purposes.

A. Sections 7 through 12 of this act shall be known and may be cited as the “Oklahoma Flood Hazard Mitigation Program”.
B. The purposes of the Oklahoma Flood Hazard Mitigation Program are to provide:
1. An orderly and continuing means of assistance by the state government to political subdivisions of this state in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage that result from flooding by:
a.
providing state assistance programs for public losses and needs sustained in flood disasters,
b.
encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the state and political subdivisions,
c.
achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of flood disaster preparedness and relief programs, and
d.
encouraging hazard mitigation measures, such as development of land-use and construction regulations, floodplain management, and environmental planning, to reduce losses from flood disasters in municipalities;
2. For the protection of life and property and to limit the repetitive expenditures of public funds in areas that are subject to chronic flooding and other flood disasters;
3. Financial assistance to local governments for the development and implementation of flood hazard mitigation projects;
4. For the cooperation of state environmental agencies and other state and federal agencies in the development and implementation of the Oklahoma Flood Hazard Mitigation Program; and
5. For the establishment of land development principles which will eliminate inappropriate and unsafe real estate development in municipal areas subject to repetitive or chronic flooding.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 57, § 7, eff. July 1, 1999.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-690.2. Definitions.

For purposes of the Oklahoma Flood Hazard Mitigation Program:
1. "Board" means the Oklahoma Water Resources Board;
2. "Department" means the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management;
3. "Dwelling unit" means a place of residence and may be a single- or multiple-dwelling building;
4. "Flood" or "flooding" means general and temporary conditions of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of lakes, streams, rivers, or any other inland waters and from surface run-off;
5. "Flood hazard mitigation" means any cost-effective measure which will reduce or eliminate the effects of a flood disaster;
6. "Flood hazard mitigation projects" means those projects designed to correct, alleviate or eliminate a condition or situation which poses a repetitive threat to life, property, or public safety from the effects of a flood disaster;
7. "Flood disaster" means any flood catastrophe, including but not limited to high water, flood waters, or wind-driven water which causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant flood hazard mitigation or the use of resources of the federal government, or the state and political subdivisions thereof to alleviate the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby;
8. "Political subdivision" means any county, city, town, or municipal corporation of the State of Oklahoma;
9. "Real property" includes all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature which is appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest and right, legal or equitable, therein including terms for years; and
10. "State Hazard Mitigation Team" means the entity created pursuant to Section 683.6 of this title.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 57, § 8, eff. July 1, 1999. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 49, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-690.4. Grants or loans for flood hazard mitigation.

A. A political subdivision of this state may apply to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for a grant or loan for flood hazard mitigation projects on forms provided by the Department.
B. Grants or loans for flood hazard mitigation shall be prioritized by the State Hazard Mitigation Team based on the following considerations:
1. The extent and effectiveness of flood mitigation measures already implemented by the political subdivision requesting the grant;
2. The feasibility, practicality, and effectiveness of the proposed flood mitigation measures and the associated benefits and detriments;
3. The level of assistance that should be provided to the political subdivision, based on available facts regarding the nature, extent, and severity of the flood hazard problems;
4. The frequency of occurrence of flooding disasters that has resulted in declaration of the area as a flood disaster area by the Governor of this state or by the President of the United States;
5. The economic, social, and environmental benefits and detriments of the proposed flood mitigation measures;
6. Whether the floodplain management ordinance or regulation adopted by the political subdivision meets the minimum standards established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the degree of enforcement of the ordinance or regulation, and whether the political subdivision is complying with the ordinance or regulation;
7. The financial capability of the political subdivision to solve its flood hazard problems without financial assistance; and
8. The estimated cost and method of financing of the proposed flood mitigation measures based on local money and federal and state financial assistance.
C. A grant shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the total cost of the proposed mitigation project and a loan shall not exceed the total cost of the proposed mitigation project.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 57, § 10, eff. July 1, 1999. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 51, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-690.5. Recommendation of priorities for flood hazard mitigation projects.

In addition to other responsibilities designated or assigned to it by the Department, the State Hazard Mitigation Team shall have the power and duty to recommend priorities for flood hazard mitigation projects for purposes of providing grants or loans for such projects, based upon considerations specified by Section 690.4 of this title.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 57, § 11, eff. July 1, 1999. Amended by Laws 2003, c. 329, § 52, emerg. eff. May 29, 2003.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-690.6. Funding of acquisition of real property by municipalities.

A. The Legislature declares it to be necessary for the public health and welfare to provide a means for municipalities in this state to implement measures to reduce losses from flood disasters. The acquisition of real property for this objective shall constitute a public purpose for which public funds may be expended.
B. Municipalities are empowered and authorized to acquire fee title to real property and easements therein by purchase, gift, devise, lease or otherwise for flood control.
C. Title information, appraisal reports, offers, and counteroffers are confidential until an option contract is executed or, if no option contract is executed, until thirty (30) days before a contract or agreement for purchase is considered for approval by the governing board of the municipality. However, each municipality may, at its discretion, disclose appraisal reports to private landowners during negotiations for acquisitions using alternatives to fee simple techniques, if the municipality determines that disclosure of such reports will bring the proposed acquisition to closure. In the event that negotiation is terminated by the municipality, the title information, appraisal report, offers, and counteroffers shall become available to the public.
D. Real property acquired for the purposes enumerated in this section may also be used for recreational purposes, and whenever practicable such real property shall be open to the general public for recreational uses. Except when prohibited by a covenant or other restriction, real property managed and controlled by the municipality may be used for multiple purposes, including, but not limited to, agriculture and silviculture, as well as boating and other recreational uses.
E. The provisions of this section shall not limit the exercise of similar powers delegated by statute to any state or political subdivision of this state.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 57, § 12, eff. July 1, 1999.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.3. Prompt, full and effective response - Legally designated jurisdiction official.

Each jurisdiction recognizes that there will be emergencies which require immediate actions and implementation of procedures to apply outside resources to make prompt and effective response to such an emergency. This is because few, if any, individual jurisdictions have all the resources they need in all types of emergencies and the capability of delivering resources to the area where emergencies occur.
The prompt, full and effective utilization of resources of the participating jurisdictions, including any resources on hand or available from any other source, that are essential to the safety, care, and welfare of the people in the event of any emergency or disaster shall be the underlying principle on which all articles of this Compact shall be understood.
On behalf of the chief elected officer of each jurisdiction participating in the Compact, the legally designated jurisdiction official who is assigned responsibility for emergency management will be responsible for the formulation of the appropriate aid plans and procedures necessary to implement the Compact.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 5, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006. Amended by Laws 2010, c. 258, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.5. Necessary actions and provisions - Powers, duties, rights and privileges of emergency forces - Command and control.

Any jurisdiction requested to render mutual aid or conduct exercises and training for mutual aid shall take such action as is necessary to provide and make available the resources covered by the Oklahoma Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact in accordance with the terms hereof; provided that it is understood that the jurisdiction rendering aid may withhold resources to the extent necessary to provide reasonable protection for its own jurisdiction.
Each jurisdiction shall afford the emergency forces of any jurisdiction, while operating within its jurisdictional limits under the terms and conditions of the Compact, the same powers, duties, rights, and privileges as are afforded forces of the jurisdiction in which they are performing emergency services. Emergency forces will continue under the command and control of their regular leaders, but the organizational units will come under operational control of the emergency services authorities of the jurisdiction receiving assistance and must report to the incident check-in location for assignment.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 7, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.6. Professional, mechanical or other licenses, certificates or permits.

Whenever any person holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by any jurisdiction party evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical, or other skills, and when such assistance is requested by the receiving jurisdiction, such person shall be deemed licensed, certified, or permitted by the jurisdiction requesting assistance to render aid involving such skill to meet an emergency or disaster, or a nondisaster incident or activity as determined by the participating jurisdictions, subject to such limitations and conditions as the requesting jurisdiction may prescribe by executive order or otherwise.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 8, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006. Amended by Laws 2010, c. 258, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.7. Liability and immunity.

Officers or employees of a jurisdiction rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to the Oklahoma Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact shall be considered within the scope of employment of the requesting jurisdiction for tort liability and immunity purposes. No jurisdiction or its officers or employees rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to the Compact shall be liable on account of any act or omission in good faith on the jurisdiction of such forces while so engaged or on account of the maintenance or use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith. Good faith shall not include willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 9, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.8. Compensation and death benefits.

Each jurisdiction shall provide for the payment of compensation and death benefits to injured members of the emergency forces of that jurisdiction and representatives of deceased members of such forces who sustain injuries or are killed while rendering aid pursuant to the Oklahoma Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact, in the same manner and on the same terms as if the injury or death were sustained within its own jurisdiction.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 10, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.9. Reimbursement for loss, damage, expense or cost.

Any jurisdiction rendering aid in another jurisdiction pursuant to the Oklahoma Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact shall be reimbursed by the jurisdiction receiving such aid for any loss or damage to or expense incurred in the operation of any equipment and the provision of any service in answering a request for aid and for the costs incurred in connection with such requests; provided, that any aiding jurisdiction may assume in whole or in part such loss, damage, expense, or other cost, or may loan such equipment or donate such services to the receiving jurisdiction without charge or cost; and provided further, that any two or more jurisdictions may enter into supplementary agreements establishing a different allocation of costs among those jurisdictions. Compensation expenses shall not be reimbursable under this section.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 11, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-695.10. Plans for evacuation and interjurisdiction reception of civilian population.

Plans for the orderly evacuation and interjurisdiction reception of portions of the civilian population as the result of any emergency or disaster of sufficient proportions to so warrant, shall be worked out and maintained between the party jurisdictions of the Oklahoma Intrastate Mutual Aid Compact and the emergency management or services directors of the various jurisdictions where any type of incident requiring evacuations might occur. Such plans shall be put into effect by request of the jurisdiction from which evacuees come and shall include the manner of transporting such evacuees, the number of evacuees to be received in different areas, the manner in which food, clothing, housing, and medical care will be provided, the registration of evacuees, the providing of facilities for the notification of relatives or friends, and the forwarding of such evacuees to other areas or the bringing in of additional materials, supplies, and all other relevant factors.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 199, § 12, emerg. eff. May 26, 2006.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-701. Shooting galleries - Standards and specifications.

(A) Open air shooting galleries constructed from and after the effective date of this act shall conform to the following standards and specifications:
(a) There shall be a backstop not less than seven and one-half (7 1/2) feet high, which shall be constructed of steel of a thickness not less than U.S. standard eight-gauge steel and shall be well lapped at the joints; the backstop shall be not less than eight (8) nor more than twenty-five (25) feet wide.
(b) Attached to each side of the backstop at ninety (90) degree angles, extending toward the counter, shall be side walls of the same height as the backstop, which side walls shall be constructed of steel of a thickness not less than U.S. standard sixteen-gauge steel and shall be from six (6) to twenty-five (25) feet in length. In the event the steel side walls do not extend to the counter, the remaining portion of the side walls shall be so constructed as to prevent any person from getting into the line of fire.
(c) The inside edge of the counter from which the shooting takes place shall be placed not less than twenty-five (25) feet from the backstop or any metal target.
(d) All targets shall be placed not less than twelve (12) inches from the ends of the backstop, and shall be not less than twenty-four (24) inches from the top and not less than twelve (12) inches from the bottom of the backstop.
(B) Closed shooting galleries constructed after the effective date of this act shall be lawful of any size, provided that closed shooting galleries shall be constructed so that they at least conform to the minimum requirements of open air shooting galleries.
Laws 1955, p. 187, § 1.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-704. Inspection statement.

Before any shooting gallery shall begin to operate in any county, city or town of this state, it shall be inspected by the sheriff of said county, or his authorized deputy, for safety, and the owner must have a statement in writing by said sheriff or his authorized deputy that he has inspected the premises and is of the opinion that it is safe to operate. Such statement shall not be furnished by the sheriff or his authorized deputy unless the shooting gallery meets the requirements of this act. In the event a shooting gallery is moved from one place to another, a new inspection statement must be secured by the owner or operator prior to beginning operation. It is hereby made the duty of the sheriff of each county personally or through his authorized deputy to make the inspection required herein upon request of the owner or operator. Shooting galleries constructed prior to the effective date of this act shall be furnished an inspection statement as required herein even though such shooting gallery does not meet the requirements of this act if, in the opinion of the sheriff or his authorized deputy, it is safe to operate.
Laws 1955, p. 187, § 4.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-706. Hours for opening and closing - Exception.

In cities and towns and in areas outside the corporate limits of a city or town, shooting galleries shall close from 11:59 o'clock p.m. Saturday until 8:00 a.m. Monday, except that cities having a population in excess of fifty thousand (50,000), according to the next preceding Federal Decennial Census, may permit the operation of shooting galleries during the period from 11:59 o'clock p.m. Saturday and 8:00 a.m. Monday.
Laws 1955, p. 188, § 6.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-707. Penalties.

Any violation of this act is hereby made a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Laws 1955, p. 188, § 7.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-709.2. Noise - Exemption from liability.

A. Notwithstanding any municipal ordinance or rule regulating noise to the contrary, a governmental official may not seek a civil or criminal penalty or injunction against a shooting range, or its owner or operators, on the basis of noise emanating from the range, provided the noise at the property line of the shooting range does not exceed one hundred fifty (150) decibels.
B. No person shall bring any suit in law or equity or any other claim for relief against a shooting range, or its owners or operators, based upon noise emanating from the shooting range, provided the noise at the property line of the range does not exceed one hundred fifty (150) decibels.
C. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any ordinance or rule relating to noise adopted by any local unit of government, whether before, on, or after the effective date of this act, shall not be deemed to be enforceable against a shooting range, provided the noise at the property line of the range does not exceed one hundred fifty (150) decibels. The ordinance or rule shall not serve as the basis for any suit in law or equity, whether brought by a governmental official or person. In no event shall the provisions of this subsection affect the outcome of any suit brought prior to the effective date of this act in which a final order of judgment or relief has been entered.
Added by Laws 1996, c. 191, § 23, emerg. eff. May 16, 1996.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-931. Board of Medicolegal Investigations - Membership - Compensation - Meetings.

The Board of Medicolegal Investigations is hereby re-created. The members of the Board shall be:
1. The Director of the State Bureau of Investigation, or a designee;
2. The State Commissioner of Health, or a designee;
3. The Dean of the College of Medicine of the University of Oklahoma, or a designee;
4. The President or Dean of the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, or a designee;
5. The President of the Oklahoma Bar Association, or a designee;
6. The President of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, or a designee;
7. The President of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, or a designee; and
8. A funeral director, as provided by Section 396.3 of Title 59 of the Oklahoma Statutes, appointed by the Oklahoma Funeral Board.
The Chief Medical Examiner shall be an ex officio nonvoting member of the Board. The Board shall elect one of its members as chair and one of its members as vice-chair. Elections of board members shall be held annually. An elected member shall not serve in the same capacity as chair or vice-chair for more than two (2) consecutive years. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services on this Board. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such times as determined by its members, and special meetings may be called by the chair. Four members shall constitute a quorum.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 604, § 1, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1969, c. 143, § 1, emerg. eff. April 9, 1969; Laws 1972, c. 246, § 1, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 1980, c. 112, § 1, emerg. eff. April 10, 1980; Laws 1983, c. 333, § 23, emerg. eff. June 29, 1983; Laws 1987, c. 231, § 7, eff. July 1, 1987; Laws 1996, c. 234, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2005, c. 410, § 1, eff. July 1, 2005; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 85, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-932. Rules and regulations.

The Board is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary or appropriate to carry out effectively the provisions of this act. Such rules and regulations shall be filed with the Secretary of State and shall not be effective until ten (10) days after the date of filing. The Board shall, on the date of filing, send a copy of the rules and regulations by the United States mail to the state regulatory board the licensees of which are affected thereby.
Laws 1961, p. 605, § 2.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-933. Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Oklahoma is hereby established to be operated under the control and supervision of the Board. The Office shall be directed by the Chief Medical Examiner, and the Chief Medical Examiner may employ such other staff members as the Board shall specify.
Laws 1961, p. 605, § 3; Laws 1972, c. 246, § 2, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-934. Appointment and qualifications of Chief Medical Examiner.

The Board of Medicolegal Investigations shall appoint a Chief Medical Examiner who shall be a physician licensed to practice in Oklahoma and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology in forensic pathology. The Chief Medical Examiner shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. In addition to the duties prescribed by law, the Chief Medical Examiner may teach in any educational capacity.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 605, § 4, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 246, § 3, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 1996, c. 234, § 2, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-935. Responsibility of Examiner - Delegation of duties.

The Chief Medical Examiner shall be directly responsible to the Board for the performance of the duties provided for in this act and for the administration of the office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Chief Medical Examiner may, however, delegate specific duties to competent and qualified personnel who may act for the Chief Medical Examiner within the scope of the express authority granted by the Chief Medical Examiner, subject, however, to such rules as the Board may prescribe.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 605, § 5, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 246, § 4, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2006, 2nd Ex.Sess., c. 83, § 9, eff. Oct. 1, 2006; Laws 2008, c. 269, § 5, eff. July 1, 2008; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-935.1. Office of the State Medical Examiner relocation

The Office of the State Medical Examiner and the Board of Medicolegal Investigations are authorized to relocate the Office of the State Medical Examiner to a location determined by the Board as provided by law.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 329, § 1, emerg. eff. June 6, 2010. Amended by Laws 2015, c. 85, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2015; Laws 2016, c. 94, § 1, emerg. eff. Apr. 19, 2016.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-936. Office and laboratory.

The Board shall provide for a central and eastern office and shall see that there is maintained a laboratory suitably equipped with facilities for performance of the duties imposed by Section 931 et seq. of this title.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 605, § 6, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 246, § 5, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 85, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-937. Appointment and qualifications of county medical examiners.

The Chief Medical Examiner shall appoint medical examiners for the state. Each medical examiner so appointed shall be a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine, shall hold a valid board certification to practice forensic pathology in Oklahoma, and shall hold office at the pleasure of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Chief Medical Examiner shall appoint a Deputy Chief Medical Examiner to serve in the capacity of the Chief Medical Examiner in the event the Chief Medical Examiner is absent, ill, or disqualified by personal interest.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 605, § 7, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1963, c. 302, § 1, emerg. eff. June 19, 1963; Laws 1965, c. 258, § 1, emerg. eff. June 21, 1965; Laws 1972, c. 246, § 6, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 85, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-938. Types of deaths to be investigated - Autopsies.

A. All human deaths of the types listed herein shall be investigated as provided by law:
1. Violent deaths, whether apparently homicidal, suicidal, or accidental;
2. Deaths under suspicious, unusual or unnatural circumstances;
3. Deaths related to disease which might constitute a threat to public health;
4. Deaths unattended by a licensed physician for a fatal or potentially-fatal illness;
5. Deaths that are medically unexpected and that occur in the course of a therapeutic procedure;
6. Deaths of any persons detained or occurring in custody of penal incarceration; and
7. Deaths of persons whose bodies are to be cremated, transported out of the state, donated to educational entities, to include limited portions of the body, or otherwise made ultimately unavailable for pathological study.
B. The Chief Medical Examiner shall state on the certificate of death of all persons whose death was caused by execution pursuant to a lawful court order that the cause of death was the execution of such order.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 605, § 8, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1963, c. 302, § 2, emerg. eff. June 19, 1963; Laws 1972, c. 246, § 7, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2000, c. 161, § 1, eff. July 1, 2000; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-939. Production of records, documents, evidence or other material.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the Chief Medical Examiner shall produce records, documents, evidence or other material of any nature only upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction. An interested party or litigant in a civil or criminal action may make application for an order to produce such materials. The court, after notice to all parties, including the Chief Medical Examiner, and a hearing on the application, may, upon the showing of good cause, direct the release of a copy or any part of such material. In addition, the court may also direct the payment of reasonable costs by the requesting party for the production of the material. The production of such material shall take place at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner unless, upon a showing of good cause, specifically ordered otherwise by the court.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 606, § 9, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 246, § 8, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 1996, c. 234, § 3, eff. July 1, 1996; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-940. Cooperation of state and county officials - Notification of deaths.

A. All law enforcement officers and other state and county officials shall cooperate with the Chief Medical Examiner and all other medical examiners in making investigations required pursuant to the provisions of Sections 931 through 954 of this title. The officials and the physician in attendance of the deceased, or other persons when the deceased was unattended by a physician, shall promptly notify the medical examiner of the occurrence of all deaths coming to their attention which, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 931 through 954 of this title, are subject to investigation, and shall assist in making dead bodies and related evidence available for investigation.
Subject to the provisions of Sections 931 through 954 of this title, bodies shall not be disturbed until authorized by the Chief Medical Examiner or his or her designee and the representative of any law enforcement agency which has begun an investigation of the cause of death. The authorization may be given by telephone. Nothing in Sections 931 through 954 of this title shall prevent the district attorney, or his or her designee, or the responding law enforcement officer from authorizing the removal of a body when the removal is determined to be in the public interest and conditions at the scene are adequately documented and preserved by photographs and measurements.
B. The death of any patient, inmate, ward, or veteran in a state hospital or other institution shall be reported by the chief administrative officer of the hospital or institution or his or her designee to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at the time of the death and prior to release of the body.
1. Within thirty-six (36) hours, a written report shall be submitted and shall be accompanied by true and correct copies of all medical records of the hospital or institution concerning the deceased patient.
2. The Chief Medical Examiner shall have the authority to require production of any records, documents, or equipment or other items regarding the deceased patient deemed necessary to investigate the death.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 606, § 10, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 246, § 9, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 1978, c. 114, § 1, emerg. eff. March 31, 1978; Laws 1980, c. 178, § 1, emerg. eff. May 14, 1980; Laws 1984, c. 36, § 1, emerg. eff. March 28, 1984; Laws 1988, c. 326, § 34, emerg. eff. July 13, 1988; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2022, c. 176, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-941. Investigation by county examiner.

Upon receipt of notice of death of any person which under Section 931 et seq. of this title is subject to investigation, a representative Death Investigator from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shall immediately initiate an investigation and shall document in detail, by the end of his or her assigned shift, all the known and available facts of the death scene in the electronic database of the Chief Medical Examiner. Decedent specimens, evidence, and photographs shall be sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The investigating official of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner may take charge of any object or writing found on or near the body which is deemed necessary for the purpose of establishing the cause and/or manner of death.
Upon conclusion of the investigation and determination that such objects or writings are no longer needed as evidence, the medical examiner or the medical examiner's designee may deliver them to the district attorney, law enforcement agency, or family for disposition.
The investigating medical examiner or the medical examiner's designee shall have access at all times to any and all medical and dental records and history of the deceased, including, but not limited to, radiographs and medical records, in the course of his or her official investigation to determine the cause and manner of death. Such records may not be released to any other person by the medical examiner, and the custodians of such records shall incur no liability by reason of the release of such records to the medical examiner. The body of the deceased shall be turned over to the funeral director designated by the person responsible for burial within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt of the decedent unless a longer period is necessary to complete the required investigation.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 606, § 11, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1972, c. 246, § 10, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 9, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 85, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-941a. Custody of the body.

Upon completion of an investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the body of the deceased shall be released to the person legally entitled to the custody thereof, or his or her representative, unless:
1. A release is signed by the person legally entitled to the custody of the body; or
2. The attending physician has notified the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Oklahoma, or his or her designee, of the need for further investigation into the cause of death, or has notified the appropriate district attorney of such need; or
3. The laws of this state or the regulations of the Board of Medicolegal Investigations require additional information or examination that cannot be obtained or completed within the above period of time.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 174, § 1. Amended by Laws 2014, c. 293, § 10, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 85, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-941b. Condition of the body.

When attending a patient at time of death, physicians shall take care that the remains of the deceased are left in such a state that will not hinder or unnecessarily complicate the preparation for burial or other disposition, provided that nothing herein shall interfere with or restrict a physician's sworn duty to do all things necessary to save the patient's life.
Added by Laws 1975, c. 174, § 2. Amended by Laws 2015, c. 85, § 7, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-942. Report of findings.

A. 1. Upon completion of an investigation, the medical examiner shall reduce his or her findings to writing upon the form supplied to the medical examiner which shall be promptly sent to the Chief Medical Examiner by mail.
2. If the medical examiner finds that the deceased had illicit, prescription or nonprescription drugs in his or her system at the time of death, the medical examiner shall document in his or her findings if the death was:
a.
a natural or accidental death with drug involvement,
b.
a homicide by drugs,
c.
a suicide by drug overdose, or
d.
a death with drug involvement, but the manner of death could not be determined.
3. A fatality shall not be considered a drug-related death unless the medical examiner determines that the drug or drugs present in the deceased materially contributed to the death.
B. Copies of reports shall be furnished by the Chief Medical Examiner to investigating agencies having official interest therein. Copies of reports shall also be furnished to the spouse of the deceased or any person within one degree of consanguinity of the deceased upon request and within five (5) business days of the request once the cause and manner of death have been determined and the death certificate has been issued.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 606, § 12, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1963, c. 302, § 3, emerg. eff. June 19, 1963; Laws 1972, c. 246, § 11, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2011, c. 344, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2011; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-942a. Appeal of medical examiner's findings.

A. The next of kin of the deceased may appeal the findings of the medical examiner to the district court of Oklahoma County under a petition for judicial review within two (2) years from the completion of the report. Such appeal shall be made in writing, shall state the nature and reasons for the appeal, and shall be supported by affidavit. The burden of proof shall be on the petitioner to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the death certificate is in error. The petitioner shall notify the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in writing upon filing the petition for judicial review. No jury shall be impaneled and no monetary damages shall be awarded under a cause of action filed pursuant to this subsection.
B. The court shall conduct an evidentiary hearing. Should the court find that the findings of the medical examiner are erroneous, the court shall immediately order the Chief Medical Examiner to correct the report and transmit the appropriate paperwork to the State Department of Health for the correction of the death certificate.
Added by Laws 2011, c. 344, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2011. Amended by Laws 2014, c. 293, § 12, eff. Nov. 1, 2014.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-944. Autopsy - Public interest – Deceased children - Collection of samples.

A. When necessary in connection with an investigation to determine the cause and/or manner of death and when the public interest requires it, the Chief Medical Examiner, his or her designee or a district attorney shall require and authorize an autopsy to be conducted. In determining whether the public interest requires an autopsy the medical examiner or district attorney involved shall take into account but shall not be bound by request therefor from private persons or from other public officials.
B. Except as provided by subsections C and D of this section, a parent of a deceased child is entitled to view and to hold the child's body before the medical examiner for the county in which the death occurred assumes custody of the body pursuant to Section 938 of this title. If the child's death occurred at a hospital or other health care facility, the viewing may be conducted at the hospital or facility.
C. A parent of a deceased child may not view nor hold the child's body after a medical examiner assumes custody of the body pursuant to Section 941 of this title unless the parent first obtains the consent of the district judge or medical examiner or a person acting on behalf of the district judge or medical examiner.
D. A viewing or holding of the body of a deceased child whose death is determined to be subject to an investigation under Section 938 of this title must be conducted in compliance with the following conditions:
1. The viewing or holding must be supervised by:
a.
a peace officer or, with the officer's consent, a person described by subparagraph b of this paragraph, if law enforcement has assumed custody of the body at the time of the viewing or holding, or
b.
a physician, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, the medical examiner, or a person acting on behalf of the medical examiner;
2. A parent of the deceased child may not have contact with the child's body unless the parent first obtains the consent of the medical examiner or his or her designee; and
3. A person may not remove a medical device from the child's body or otherwise alter the condition of the body for purposes of conducting the viewing or holding unless the person first obtains the consent of the medical examiner or his or her designee.
E. The medical examiner or his or her designee may collect and retain such blood, tissue, bone, fluid or body waste specimens as are deemed necessary to carry out his or her duties as specified in Section 931 et seq. of this title. No autopsy authorization shall be required as a prerequisite to the collection of such specimens.
Added by Laws 1961, p. 606, § 14, eff. Jan. 2, 1962. Amended by Laws 1965, c. 258, § 2, emerg. eff. June 21, 1965; Laws 1968, c. 182, § 1; Laws 1972, c. 246, § 13, emerg. eff. April 7, 1972; Laws 2014, c. 293, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 2014; Laws 2015, c. 85, § 8, eff. Nov. 1, 2015; Laws 2022, c. 35, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2022.
2023 Oklahoma Statutes › Title 63. Public Health and Safety › §63-944.2. Unconstitutional.

NOTE: Editorially renumbered from § 944.1 to avoid a duplication in numbering.
NOTE: Section, derived from Laws 1985, c. 245, § 3, mandating sharing of costs of operation by requiring a fee for autopsies performed by State Medical Examiner, declared unconstitutional by State ex rel, Jordan v. City of Bethany, Okl., 769 P.2d 164(1989).