AGP Executive Report

Western Finals Shock: Victor Wembanyama went nuclear with 41 points and 24 rebounds as the Spurs beat the Thunder 122-115 in double overtime to open the West finals—snapping OKC’s nine-game playoff win streak. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data spotlights South Pointe Rehabilitation and Care Center as Oklahoma County’s biggest by capacity (375 beds) but with a low overall rating of 1/5 and $202,060 in fines/penalties in Q1 2026. Rural Fire Support: The Cherokee Nation handed out $483,000 to 138 rural volunteer fire departments across the reservation, helping them buy medical gear and keep up training. Public Safety Alert: Midwest City police and a bomb squad investigated a credible threat involving a vehicle near a fire station, prompting evacuations and lockdowns. State Health Policy: Oklahoma’s “Leo’s Law” advanced after a Senate vote to expand protections for drug-endangered children tied to fentanyl exposure risks. Long-Term Care Pressure: A federal appeals court upheld a $33M jail-death verdict against Ottawa County, putting taxpayers on the hook for costs that could force major tax increases.

Medicaid Expansion Stalled: Oklahoma Republicans failed to get a Medicaid expansion ballot measure to voters before adjourning, leaving the 2026 question unresolved and raising the odds of a special session. Child Welfare Policy: A bipartisan federal bill was introduced to better distinguish normal childhood independence from neglect, aiming to clarify standards and support state training. Maternal Health After Dobbs: A new study links abortion bans to reduced miscarriage medication management and less use of the most effective protocols in states with restrictions. Local Safety & Health: Oklahoma City police reported a late-night shooting in northwest OKC sending two people to the hospital; they’re expected to recover. Community Care: Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build surprised an Oklahoma City family with a new home under construction. Nursing Education: Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences earned the maximum 10-year CCNE accreditation for its MSN program. Quick hit: A Kansas motorcyclist crash near Kansas Falls Road killed the passenger; neither rider was wearing a helmet.

Tribal Health Workforce Expansion: Eastern Shawnee Companies launched Eastern Shawnee Staffing Solutions LLC, a new healthcare staffing subsidiary aimed at supplying clinical and non-clinical workers for federal, tribal, and public-sector clients—especially Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs facilities—backed by a newly hired management team. Public Safety: Oklahoma City police took a person of interest into custody after a suspected swatting call tied to a Saturday night shooting that killed one person and sent another to the hospital; investigators are still sorting whether separate downtown shootings near Scissortail Park and Paycom Center are connected. Health Awareness: May is National Stroke Awareness Month in Oklahoma, with the American Heart Association urging residents to remember BE FAST and call 911 immediately. Care Access & Costs: Oklahoma’s per-student education spending rose to about $12,519, but the state still ranks near the bottom among nearby states.

Violence in OKC: Oklahoma City police responded to two separate shootings downtown Saturday night—one near Scissortail Park where a 13-year-old was arrested and a 15-year-old was grazed, and another near the Paycom Center where a 16-year-old was taken into custody; authorities say the incidents may not be connected and there’s no ongoing threat. More local crime: In southwest OKC overnight, police reported 1 person dead and 1 injured after a disturbance at an apartment complex led to a rifle shooting. Public safety & health: May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and local clinicians are urging Oklahomans to recognize “BE FAST” signs and call 911 immediately. Policy watch: Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative session wrapped up early with new laws passed and vetoes left unresolved. Healthcare business: CMS imposed a six-month Medicare enrollment moratorium for hospice and home health agencies, aiming to curb fraud.

Public Safety: Oklahoma City police say they detained suspects after two separate shooting calls near Scissortail Park and the Paycom Center Saturday night, with one person grazed and taken to a hospital; OSBI is also investigating suspicious deaths in Norman and near Reed Avenue/Main Street. Addiction & Regulation: A Kansas woman’s story highlights how kratom products can hook users, fueling calls to ban sales. Maternal Health Access: A Kansas-Oklahoma milk “relay” is getting donated breast milk to where it’s needed most. Community Justice: The Cherokee Nation is hosting a free Expungement Expo May 19-20 to help eligible people clear records and connect to support services. Medicaid Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers didn’t advance Medicaid-expansion constitutional changes to the 2026 ballot, leaving the policy in place as budgets and federal funding pressures loom. Fast Delivery: Amazon is rolling out 30-minute delivery for an extra fee, pushing expectations even higher.

Sports Health Check: Thunder wing Jalen Williams says he’s healthy entering the Western Conference Finals after missing six games with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, and coach Mark Daigneault says he’s “progressing.” Justice Update: Richard Glossip is released on bond after a judge set bail following an AG statement that raised “reasonable doubt,” but his decades-old murder case still isn’t over. Medicaid Watch (OK): Muskogee Medicaid billing for Medical and Surgical Supplies jumped 21.9% in 2024; Enid saw a 21.3% rise in Procedures/Professional Services; Broken Arrow dental services totaled $927,318 (+8%); and Tulsa reported a 275.1% spike in Temporary Codes payments. Local Care Gap: Oklahoma Watch reports rural hospitals are increasingly stepping in when patients can’t find rehab placements after acute care. Ongoing Legal/Policy: A Supreme Court Voting Rights Act decision is already reshaping election maps, with minority representation concerns rising.

Medicare & CBD: The Trump administration is rolling out a program letting some Medicare patients get free CBD, aiming to see whether it improves quality of life and lowers costs—while doctors raise concerns about safety and overreach. Oklahoma Policy: State Question 832 is back in focus as Oklahoma prepares for a June 16 primary vote on a gradual minimum wage hike to $15, with supporters citing household relief and opponents warning of higher prices and fewer hours. Tribal Health & Medicaid: At Tulsa’s State of the Tribal Nations event, Cherokee leaders pushed to protect Medicaid expansion, warning changes could hurt rural healthcare and the state’s economy. Public Health Watch: CDC officials say hantavirus risk to the general public remains low after cruise-ship cases, but Oklahomans are being urged to stay cautious around rodents. Local Care Access: In Siloam Springs, a women’s health center reopened under Community Clinic, bringing prenatal and family planning services closer to home.

Medicare Crackdown: CMS just imposed a six-month nationwide moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for hospice and home health agencies, aiming to stop suspected fraud before new providers enter the program. Telehealth Abortion Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court protected access to mail-order and telehealth abortion pills while lower courts keep litigating the rules. Oklahoma Court Update: Former death row inmate Richard Glossip was released from Oklahoma County jail on a $500,000 bond as he heads toward a third trial, with strict conditions including electronic monitoring and no contact with witnesses. Public Health & Safety: Oklahoma and parts of the region issued ozone air alerts urging people—especially kids and those with heart or lung issues—to limit outdoor activity. Local Health Fraud Case: An Oklahoma City woman was sentenced to federal prison for a $1.1 million health care fraud scheme. Road & Community News: A Kansas crash near Moffett killed a passenger; Oklahoma also continues recovery and community support efforts tied to recent severe weather.

Medicaid & fraud crackdown: CMS is pausing new Medicare hospice and home health agency enrollments for six months nationwide, aiming to stop bad actors before they enter the system. Oklahoma justice: Richard Glossip walked out of the Oklahoma County jail on bond after nearly 30 years, but must follow strict GPS, curfew, and monitoring rules while his case heads to a new trial. Public safety: A search is underway at Lake Thunderbird after two people fell from a jet ski—one recovered, one still missing. Community health & access: Oklahoma lawmakers ended a contentious session with new laws, including child fentanyl protections (“Leo’s Law”) and other policy changes affecting health and services. Local watch: Residents in Piedmont are pushing back on a proposed massive data center over water and growth concerns. Elsewhere: A Kansas woman died in a motorcycle crash in Geary County; Luka Dončić says his hamstring is pain-free as he faces a full offseason recovery.

Death Penalty: Oklahoma executed Raymond Eugene Johnson, 52, at 10:12 a.m. CT Thursday for the 2007 killings of his ex-girlfriend Brooke Whitaker and her 7-month-old daughter Kya—burned in a Tulsa house fire after repeated hammer attacks. Homelessness & Public Health: Charlottesville officials say the Free Bridge encampment can’t continue as-is, citing life-threatening risks tied to open fires and river pollution, and are weighing moving people to a city-owned low-barrier shelter site. Care Access: Oklahoma’s Rural Health Initiative is rolling out mileage help for residents to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and health-related groceries, with local “Mobility Navigators” in McClain County. Diabetes Screening: A new Oklahoma law gives parents access to Type 1 diabetes screening, taking effect Nov. 1, 2026. Local EMS: McClain-Grady EMS logged 272 calls in March 2026 and passed its annual state audit with no exceptions. Health Policy Watch: A House committee voted to block federal marijuana rescheduling funding, even as the administration moves ahead.

Medicare Fraud Crackdown: CMS is pausing new Medicare enrollment for hospice and home health providers for six months, aiming to stop “bad actors” from entering the program while investigations ramp up. Local Health Care: Integris Health has formally transitioned its Woodward Rehab center to the Integris Health Jim Thorpe Outpatient Rehabilitation Center. Oklahoma Medicaid Update: Oklahoma has terminated SoonerCare benefits for about 10 people after a Trump administration immigration review flagged enrollees for re-checking. Public Health & Safety: A new Oklahoma law bans recreational nitrous oxide use (the “Maddix Bias Act”), and a separate Oklahoma case highlights ongoing concerns about dangerous social media drug trends. Community Health: The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is hosting a free Walk for Wellness and 5K on May 16 with a health fair and wellness activities.

Medicare Crackdown: CMS announced a six-month moratorium on new Medicare enrollment for hospice and home health providers, citing “systemic” fraud and aiming to keep “bad actors” out while investigations ramp up. Oklahoma Health Access: Oklahoma City’s Revan Pharmacy is rolling out “Dispill,” a color-coded, pharmacist-filled blister-pack system meant to make multi-medication routines easier to follow. Kidney Disease Awareness: The IgA Nephropathy Foundation launched its first-ever “Are You IgAN Aware?” PSA campaign, including a week of nationwide spirit activities and MLB tie-ins. Fast Delivery Expansion: Amazon Now is pushing 30-minute delivery to more cities, with Oklahoma City listed among areas seeing rollout underway. Local Public Safety: OKC police arrested a man accused of punching a woman walking her dog near NW 31st and Pennsylvania; officers initially thought it was a stabbing.

Death Penalty: Oklahoma is set to execute Raymond Eugene Johnson on May 14 for the 2007 killings of his ex-girlfriend Brooke Whitaker and her 7-month-old baby, Kya—while Johnson argues he’s changed and victims’ loved ones say justice can’t wait. Jail Dispute: Oklahoma County’s sheriff says he’ll pursue a legal challenge over inmate transport even as a judge orders daily courthouse trips—after a Monday disruption left dozens missing court dates, with diversion and mental health services taking a hit. Mental Health Response: Oklahoma City’s mobile crisis team has handled 5,000+ calls in 10 months, diverting people from hospitals/ER and cutting repeat calls. Charter School: An Oklahoma City charter school is one step closer to closure after a state board termination vote. Amazon Fast Delivery: Amazon Now launches 30-minute grocery delivery in select cities, including Oklahoma City, with gig-driver logistics and new pricing. Sports: Luka Dončić says he wasn’t close to returning before the Lakers’ OKC sweep; LeBron says he’ll “recalibrate” before deciding on his 24th season.

Public Safety: OSBI is investigating a suspicious death in Ottawa County after a woman’s body was found after being run over by a vehicle. Health Access: Med Harmony expanded online psychiatry via telehealth for adolescents and adults in Oklahoma City and Edmond, offering evaluations, medication management, therapy referrals, and insurance help. Policy & Caregiving: Oklahoma’s Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit expansion (HB 4118) is now law, broadening eligibility, adding mileage for medical appointments, and removing a minimum age requirement. Research Investment: OU launched Project 200, aiming to recruit about 200 top researchers and drive major federal funding, jobs, and clinical trial access statewide. Tech & Delivery: Amazon Now rolled out 30-minute delivery in select cities, including Oklahoma City. Sports & Injury: Luka Dončić said he was never close to returning from a grade 2 hamstring strain, as the Lakers’ season ended with a Thunder sweep.

Legislative Deadline Crunch: Oklahoma lawmakers are heading into the final stretch with 140–150 House bills stalled in the Senate, and the chambers are openly frustrated with each other as session deadlines near. Medicaid Power Struggle: House Republicans are still trying to reshape Medicaid expansion and push changes toward the November ballot, after earlier Senate efforts stalled. Immigration-Linked Eligibility Checks: Gov. Stitt signed an executive order directing DHS and OHCA to use a federal system to verify citizenship for Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP—a move tied to Trump-backed bills that failed in the Senate. Mental Health Leadership Fix: The House advanced a plan that would let the health commissioner temporarily lead the mental health department, aiming to bridge leadership until a permanent appointment. Tobacco Trust Fight: A dispute over control of TSET tobacco settlement funds remains unresolved as lawmakers race to adjourn. Health & Research Push: OU announced Project 200, a bid to recruit 200 top researchers to boost health research and other priority areas.

School Policy: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill making Oklahoma’s bell-to-bell cellphone ban permanent, starting next school year, with limited health and emergency exceptions. Education Access: New data shows Oklahoma is falling behind other states in getting college “stopouts” back on track toward graduation. Public Health: A new Oklahoma law will require reporting suspected alpha-gal syndrome cases to the state health department, aiming to improve tracking of the tick-borne “red meat allergy.” Rural Care Pressure: Ongoing coverage says rural hospitals and clinics are still feeling the squeeze from Medicaid cuts, with a new rural health fund falling short of what’s needed. Local Health Tech: UTulsa researchers filed a patent for memantine-based compounds targeting glioblastoma while aiming to spare healthy cells. Safety/Justice: A Stillwater man faces felony drug DUI charges after a crash left an SUV driver with a leg injury.