NEW Poll: 75% of Oklahomans Support Health Care Access Measure

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — A recent poll shows that 75% of Oklahomans support State Senate Bill 801. The measure, currently under consideration in the Oklahoma legislature, would allow Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to serve patients by collaborating with a physician rather than by being supervised by a physician during a medical procedure. “This poll confirms what we have been hearing from patients, health care professionals and elected officials from across Oklahoma,” Jenny Schmitt, President of the Oklahoma Association of Nurse Anesthetists said. “Health care access is a daily concern for Oklahomans, particularly in rural Oklahoma, and this measure would dramatically improve health care accessibility and improve the long-term success of our surgery centers and rural hospitals. These measures continue to receive broad support and we are hopeful that the legislature will pass the bill and Governor Stitt will sign it into law.” 

“This measure simply mirrors what is already taking place in operating rooms across Oklahoma every day. Senate Bill 801 would bring our laws up to date to match those practices”, said State Representative Marcus McEntire (R-Duncan) The poll found robust support for the measure across all voter segments. It is supported by 79% of Republicans and 70% of Democrats. Geographically, the measure is 69% by rural Oklahomans, 71% in the Oklahoma City market and 77% in the Tulsa market. Men support the measure with 79% and women support it with 71%. Only 18% of Oklahomans surveyed opposed the measure. The poll of 437 Oklahomans (54% cell phone respondents) was conducted February 9.

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— Ascend Concepts is a public opinion research group operated by Hudson Talley. With combined survey research and political strategy experience in over 30 states, they have extensive experience conducting quantitative research and analysis on millions of voters from national campaigns to state legislative issues.