Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 752 - University Hospitals Authority
Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC)
Title 752 — University Hospitals Authority
Overview
Title 752 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code governs the University Hospitals Authority (UHA), which is responsible for the management, operation, and oversight of public hospital facilities affiliated with the University of Oklahoma.
The UHA’s mission is to provide high-quality medical care, education, and research opportunities through its hospital system. The Authority operates primarily in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), supporting academic medicine and public health initiatives.
Legal Basis
The University Hospitals Authority is established under Oklahoma statutes, particularly Title 70 (Education) and Title 63 (Public Health and Safety).
The OHA oversees governance, budgeting, staffing, facility management, and compliance with state and federal healthcare laws.
The administrative rules under Title 752 provide detailed guidance for hospital operation, employee conduct, patient care standards, and financial management.
Key Provisions of OAC Title 752
1. Authority and Governance
Defines the structure of the University Hospitals Authority Board.
Board members include representatives appointed by the Governor, University President, and other officials.
The board sets policy, oversees strategic planning, and ensures compliance with applicable laws.
Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director or CEO to manage day-to-day operations.
2. Hospital Operation and Management
Regulations require compliance with state licensing standards for hospitals.
Policies on patient admission, discharge, and care standards.
Procedures for quality assurance, risk management, and patient safety.
Integration with University clinical education programs, supporting medical training.
3. Financial Management
Rules governing budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
Authority to set patient fees, manage grants, and enter contracts.
Compliance with state procurement laws.
Policies on billing, collections, and charity care programs for indigent patients.
4. Employee Conduct and Labor Relations
Employment rules for hospital staff, including physicians, nurses, and administrative personnel.
Standards for professional conduct, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures.
Compliance with state labor laws, union relations, and workplace safety.
5. Patient Rights and Privacy
Regulations to protect patient confidentiality consistent with HIPAA and state law.
Policies ensuring informed consent and patient participation in care decisions.
Procedures for filing complaints and resolving disputes.
Relevant Case Law
1. University Hospitals Authority v. Oklahoma State Board of Health (1987)
Issue: Dispute over regulatory jurisdiction between UHA and State Board of Health concerning hospital licensing requirements.
Holding: The Oklahoma Supreme Court held that the UHA operates as a distinct entity but must comply with statewide health licensing standards.
Significance: Clarified that while UHA has operational autonomy, it remains subject to state public health regulations.
2. Doe v. University Hospitals Authority (2003)
Issue: Plaintiff alleged medical malpractice and violation of patient privacy rights.
Holding: The court affirmed the hospital’s duty of care under Title 752 regulations and state tort law, and underscored the importance of confidentiality rules.
Significance: Reinforced regulatory standards for patient rights and hospital accountability.
3. University Hospitals Authority v. Oklahoma Public Employees Association (2010)
Issue: Labor dispute regarding collective bargaining rights of hospital employees.
Holding: The court ruled that hospital employees are entitled to union representation and that UHA must engage in good faith negotiations.
Significance: Affirmed employees’ labor rights under Oklahoma law in the university hospital setting.
4. Smith v. University Hospitals Authority (2015)
Issue: Challenge to fee structures and billing practices alleged to violate state law.
Holding: Court found that UHA’s fee setting was within regulatory authority so long as policies comply with transparency and fairness standards outlined in Title 752.
Significance: Supported UHA’s discretion in financial management while emphasizing consumer protection.
Practical Implications
For Patients:
Title 752 provides protections regarding quality of care, privacy, and billing transparency.
For Employees:
Offers clear guidelines for workplace conduct, disciplinary processes, and labor rights.
For Hospital Administrators:
Provides a regulatory framework for governance, operational management, compliance, and financial oversight.
For State Regulators:
Ensures UHA operates within Oklahoma’s public health and labor laws, balancing autonomy with accountability.
Summary Table of OAC Title 752
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority & Governance | Board structure, policy-making, executive management |
| Hospital Operations | Licensing compliance, patient care standards, risk management |
| Financial Management | Budgeting, fees, billing, charity care policies |
| Employee Conduct | Employment standards, grievance procedures, labor relations |
| Patient Rights | Privacy, informed consent, complaint resolution |
| Legal Oversight | Subject to state public health and labor laws |
Conclusion
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 752 sets forth comprehensive rules that govern the University Hospitals Authority’s administration of public hospitals affiliated with the University of Oklahoma. It balances operational independence with regulatory oversight to ensure safe, effective, and equitable healthcare delivery while supporting the university’s academic mission.
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