Frequently Asked Questions About the OK Silver Haired Leg. (OSHL)
Accomplishments
The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSHL) has helped to pass many laws which benefit older Oklahomans and their families. A partial list of the OSHL accomplishments include:
- Living wills (advance directives);
- Public transportation revolving funds;
- Omnibus Reconciliation Bill;
- Long Term Care Ombudsman Bill;
- Required training for nursing home aides;
- Spousal Impoverishment Act;
- Do-Not-Resuscitate Consent Form and Consumer Protection;
- Alzheimer's Disclosure Bill;
- Hiring of only Certified Nurse's Aides by Nursing Facilities since 2003;
- Nursing home reform;
- Nursing home staffing ratios;
- Guardianship; and
- Conservatorship.
APPLYING FOR OSHL MEMBERSHIP
The Membership Application can be obtained from the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) or from Community Living, Aging and Protective Services. The OSHL also has a face book page where a request for the application can be made if you are a face book member. There are two kinds of OSHL membership. A membership for those 60 years of age and older who wish to serve as an OSHL Legislator or Alternate Legislator, or just an OSHL Member. There also is an Associate Membership for those under the age of 60 years of age. An OSHL Associate Member cannot serve as an OSHL Legislator or Alternate Legislator.
The OSHL has 22 OSHL Senator, and 46 OSHL Representative positions, as well as Alternates for the same positions. There are an unlimited number of OSHL Associate Members
FUNDING
The OSHL is funded through the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association (OSHLAA). The alumni raise funds for the Legislature through fundraising events and individual contributions, as well as from membership dues and filing fees. The OSHL receives technical and office support from the Community Living, Aging and Protective Services. The Oklahoma State Personal Income Tax form lists the OSHL as one of the organizations to which an Oklahoma Tay Payer may provide a contribution in the desired amount at no expense to the State of Oklahoma.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN OKLAHOMA SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATOR
Stay informed about the issues Older Oklahomans face in their daily lives;
Learn the needs of Older Oklahomans in his/her AAA District by visiting the Senior Nutrition sites and Senior Centers as often as possible;
Represent those needs to his/her Legislators at the State Capitol, as well as, write and advocate for Legislation which will address those needs;
Visit Long-Term Care Facilities in his/her AAA District and get to know the staff and Residents;
Offer to speak about the work the OSHL does at civic club meetings, Senior Centers and Nutrition sites;
Attend the OSHL Training Sessions to learn the Oklahoma Law Making Process, as well as, how to conduct effective advocacy so that the lives of Older Oklahomans will be improved.
