Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday said he will ask a special investigator to look at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (Photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice)
OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday said he will appoint a special investigator to look into the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The announcement was made in consultation with Commissioner Allie Friesen, and amid “multiple disturbing discoveries with the previous leadership’s finances and contracting practices,” Stitt’s office said in a press release.
“I’ve had frustrations with the mental health department for years and now that we have Commissioner Allie Friesen putting a fresh set of eyes on the department, it’s clear there are problems that need special attention,” Stitt said. “What we need is an independent third party who can focus all their energy on shining a light on this agency and rooting out bad actors.”
The special investigator will examine the agency’s finances, employment records and contracting practices and report to Stitt’s office.
Two weeks ago, Friesen told providers her agency was facing a $43 million shortfall.
“The department welcomes this investigation and will fully cooperate,” Friesen said.
The Governor’s Office did not say in its press release how Stitt’s latest probe would differ from his March 5 request to the Oklahoma Auditor and Inspector’s Office.
At the time, Stitt sent a letter to state Auditor Cindy Byrd, requesting that she conduct a “special investigative audit of the books of accounts” of the agency that probes the “financial management” of the agency over the past five years.
Lawmakers have also tasked the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency to look at the agency.
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