Oklahoma – Governor Kevin Stitt has announced a series of immediate actions aimed at stabilizing the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) after uncovering years of financial and operational mismanagement within the agency.
In a letter sent to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, the governor described the steps as necessary to restore public trust and ensure accountability. “The troubling issues that have continued to emerge… are the result of years of mismanagement—these challenges did not arise overnight,” Stitt wrote. He credited Commissioner Allie Friesen with exposing long-standing problems and initiating reform efforts with “integrity and urgency.”
To address the situation, Governor Stitt outlined three immediate actions:
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Financial Oversight: A nationally respected, independent financial expert will temporarily take control of ODMHSAS finances. Their goal will be to assess the agency’s shortfall and provide the Legislature with a reliable supplemental budget request.
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Independent Investigation: A seasoned attorney with experience in complex investigations will be appointed to lead a full, independent review of the agency. This individual will report directly to the Governor’s Office and have full authority to pursue the facts.
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Medicaid and Federal Program Review: The Governor has directed Oklahoma Healthcare Authority CEO Ellen Buettner and ODMHSAS officials to conduct a comprehensive review of all Medicaid and federally funded operations. The assessment will determine if responsibilities should be transferred to another agency to enhance oversight and efficiency.
