“This legislation is going to do a lot of good for Oklahoma families,” Gise said. “Patients deserve to know their rights, be treated with dignity and have a voice in their own medical care. This bill makes that clear and would ensure our health care system works for everyone, from children to seniors.”
The bill is named after Lori Brand, an Oklahoma woman who passed away from a rare autoimmune disorder. The bill outlines patient protections, including the right to informed consent, access to medical records, privacy and freedom from unnecessary restraints.
Gerald Brand, Lori’s husband, has been a strong advocate for a patient bill of rights in Oklahoma since her passing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lori, who battled the rare autoimmune disease relapsing polychondritis, faced significant challenges in accessing care during the crisis. Gerald’s efforts to establish these protections date back to April 2020.
The bill would also include special provisions for minors, ensuring they receive appropriate care in a child-friendly environment and have the opportunity to be involved in medical decisions.
“We want every Oklahoman, no matter their age or circumstances, to feel safe, heard and respected when seeking medical care,” Gise said. “Gerald has been instrumental in pushing for these patient protections, turning his family’s tragedy into a movement for change. Because of his dedication, this bill would take meaningful steps to improve patient rights and ensure better health care communication for families across our state.”
The Lori Brand Patient Bill of Rights Act of 2025 now moves to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee for further consideration.
Emily Gise, a Republican, represents House District 90 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Cleveland and Oklahoma counties.
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