Oklahoma § 63-6403 - Activation of disaster response and recovery aspects of

§ 63-6403. Activation of disaster response and recovery aspects of

emergency plans – Powers of Governor.

A. The declaration of a state of catastrophic health emergency

shall activate the disaster response and recovery aspects of the

state, local, and inter-jurisdictional disaster emergency plans in

the affected political subdivisions or geographic areas. Such

declaration authorizes the deployment and use of any forces to which

the plans apply and the use or distribution of any supplies,

equipment, and materials and facilities assembled, stockpiled, or

available pursuant to this act.

B. During a state of catastrophic health emergency, the

Governor may:

1. Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing

procedures for conducting state business, or the orders and rules of

any state agency, to the extent that strict compliance with the same

would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action (including

emergency purchases) by the public health authority to respond to

the catastrophic health emergency, or increase the health threat to

the population;

2. Utilize all available resources of the state government and

its political subdivisions, as reasonably necessary to respond to

the catastrophic health emergency;

3. Transfer the direction, personnel, or functions of state

departments and agencies in order to perform or facilitate response

and recovery programs regarding the catastrophic health emergency;

4. Mobilize all or any part of the National Guard into service

of the state. An order directing the National Guard to report for

active duty shall state the purpose for which it is mobilized and

the objectives to be accomplished;

5. Provide aid to and seek aid from other states during the

catastrophic health emergency in accordance with any interstate

emergency compact made with this state; and

6. Seek aid from the federal government for the catastrophic

health emergency in accordance with federal programs or

requirements.

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 63. Public Health and Safety

C. The public health authority shall coordinate all matters

pertaining to the catastrophic health emergency response of the

state. The public health authority shall have primary jurisdiction,

responsibility, and authority for:

1. Planning and executing catastrophic health emergency

assessment, mitigation, preparedness response, and recovery for the

state;

2. Coordinating catastrophic health emergency response between

state and local authorities during a catastrophic health emergency;

3. Collaborating with relevant federal government authorities,

elected officials of other states, private organizations or

companies during a catastrophic health emergency;

4. Coordinating recovery operations and mitigation initiatives

subsequent to catastrophic health emergencies; and

5. Organizing public information activities regarding

catastrophic health emergency response operations.

D. After the declaration of a state of catastrophic health

emergency, special identification for all public health personnel

working during the catastrophic health emergency shall be issued as

soon as possible. The identification shall indicate the authority

of the bearer to exercise public health functions and emergency

powers during the state of catastrophic health emergency. Public

health personnel shall wear the identification in plain view.

Added by Laws 2003, c. 473, § 11.