Okla. Stat. tit. 43A, § 43A-4-108: Labor by consumers - Work therapy - Compensation

A. A person receiving treatment for mental illness or alcohol-

or drug-dependency may perform labor which contributes to the

operation and maintenance of the facility for which the facility

would otherwise employ someone only if:

1. The consumer voluntarily agrees to perform the labor;

2. Engaging in the labor would not be inconsistent with the

treatment plan for the consumer;

3. The amount of time or effort necessary to perform the labor

would not be excessive;

4. The consumer is compensated appropriately and in accordance

with applicable federal and state minimum wage laws; and

5. Discharge and privileges are not conditioned upon the

performance of such labor.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to bona fide

“work therapy” which is a part of the treatment program.

Work therapy shall be:

1. In the best interests of the person;

2. Therapeutic in nature and purpose;

3. Part of the treatment plan of the person;

4. Documented in the treatment record with a rationale for the

work therapy;

5. Voluntarily entered into by the person;

6. Compensated by the facility at a rate derived from the value

of the work performed; and

7. Compensated in accordance with federal and state minimum

wage law if the primary benefit is to the facility.

C. The provisions of subsections A and B of this section shall

not apply to personal housekeeping, personal maintenance, or

communal living, or tasks oriented to improving life skills. These

activities shall not primarily benefit the facility.

D. Payment pursuant to this section shall not be applied by the

facility to offset the costs of maintenance of persons receiving

treatment in the facility, unless the person authorizes such payment

or offset in writing.