A. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Certified Healthy Communities Act".

B. The State Department of Health shall establish and maintain a program for the voluntary certification of communities that promote wellness, encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors, and establish safe and supportive environments.

C. The Department shall develop criteria for certification. The criteria may include, but shall not be limited to:

1. The development and publication of educational materials that promote health;

2. The development, implementation, and enforcement of local social host policies;

3. The implementation of local ordinances that promote the establishment of sidewalks, walking trails, and bicycle lanes;

4. The development of parks and recreation areas;

5. The establishment of community gardens;

6. Incentives and support for farmers' markets;

7. Incentives and support for community health services, such as free clinics;

8. Incentives and support for community mental health services; and

9. Incentives and support for improved housing, including energy efficiency.

D. The Department shall develop an online scoring system based on the criteria developed pursuant to subsection C of this section. The program shall recognize three levels of certification based on the online scoring system as follows:

1. Basic certification;

2. Merit certification; and

3. Excellence certification.

E. The State Board of Health, giving consideration to the recommendations of the Advancement of Wellness Advisory Council created in Section 44 of this act, may promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2010, c. 217, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2010. Amended by Laws 2013, c. 229, § 73, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.