Oklahoma’s medical advertising rules identify certain misleading medical business advertising as unprofessional conduct, including statements that are grossly untrue or improbable and calculated to mislead the public. Medical practices should review marketing claims carefully to ensure they are accurate, supportable, and not likely to create unrealistic expectations.
Medical marketing rules can vary by state, provider type, and service. For a full assessment of the statutes and regulations that apply to your website, advertising, and patient communications, consult with legal counsel familiar with your practice and market.
More Information
Oversight Body:
Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensures and Supervisions
Reference Citation:
59 Okl. St. Ann. § 509(6)
Selected Excerpt:
Unprofessional Conduct – Definition
The words “unprofessional conduct” as used in Sections 481 through 514 of this title are hereby declared to include, but shall not be limited to, the following: (…)
- 6. All advertising of medical business in which statements are made which are grossly untrue or improbable and calculated to mislead the public
What This Means for Oklahoma Medical Practices
Oklahoma medical practices should be careful when making claims about treatment outcomes, provider skill, professional superiority, or the expected value of a service. Marketing language should be clear, accurate, and supported where appropriate.
For elective healthcare practices, this applies across the full digital presence, including website copy, paid ads, social media content, email campaigns, landing pages, and before-and-after galleries. Practices should also review language around results, patient photos, model imagery, credentials, board certification, and claims that could be interpreted as guarantees with legal counsel.
Sample Best Practices
Use the following sample best practices as a starting point for discussion with your legal counsel. Find out if you need to take steps to avoid the following:
- Making statements that are grossly untrue or improbable and calculated to mislead the public.
- Making any statement claiming professional superiority.
- Assuring a permanent cure for an incurable disease.
- Claiming professional superiority without supporting the claim with objective evidence, or using hyperbole when describing your techniques or results.
- Showing patient before and after photos without indicating that results vary and the results shown are not a guarantee.
- Showing models without clearly indicating that the photos are not of actual patients.
- Saying you are board-certified without including in any advertising the name of the board that has certified you.
Is your website following best practices when it comes to medical marketing? Find out by downloading our free Website Compliance Checklist!
Download Free ChecklistMarket Your Oklahoma Practice With More Confidence
Medical marketing requires more than strong messaging. Your website, ads, social media, email campaigns, landing pages, and patient-facing content should also be reviewed with accuracy, clarity, and compliance awareness in mind.
Etna Interactive helps medical and aesthetic practices create digital marketing strategies that support visibility, patient trust, and practice growth. To learn more about how our team can support your marketing efforts, reach out to learn more or request a consultation with one of our experts.
This post was originally published in March 2013 and has been updated for 2026.
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