OKLAHOMA CITY,OK. (AP) - Oklahoma lawmakers have approved legislation designed to provide elderly veterans a wider range of health care choices.

The measure by Rep. John Bennett of Sallisaw adds medical foster homes to the definition of a "residential care home" and exempts them from certain state requirements.

A medical foster home is an alternative to a nursing home where a veteran is matched with a caregiver in his community. Care is provided in the caregiver's home 24 hours a day and the home is inspected by the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Bennett is a former Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He says veterans deserve to be taken care of in their golden years in a way that preserves their dignity.

The measure passed 88-0 Thursday and now goes to the Senate.

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