Oklahoma AG insists Gov. Stitt terminate embattled agency Commissioner
Friesen was in the hot seat at the Capitol last wee answering questions about millions in unused pandemic dollars, and the possibility that the agency won't make payroll. ,
House Committee grills ODMHSAS Commissioner on missing $43 million
'Commissioner Friesen offered no satisfactory answers for the agency's ability or inabilityto meet payroll obligations. The commissioner is simply not equipped for the job – and shenever was,' Drummond said. 'Gov. Stitt hired a counselor who doesn't have a license to runour Mental Health Department, nor does she have the leadership experience. Is it any wonderthe department is in financial meltdown?'
The Oklahoma Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) previously released its findings concerning the finances of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in April 2025.
LOFT shares findings of Dept. of Mental Health investigation with lawmakers
Drummond continued, saying vulnerable Oklahomans will suffer the consequences without placement of new leadership at the agency.
'Oklahomans who are suffering from mental health challenges and substance abuse are theones who stand to lose the most while this fiasco continues to play out,' Drummond said.'The buck stops with the commissioner and the governor. It is past time for Gov. Stittto take action and correct course.'
On Friday of last week, Stitt announced a series of actions to address ODMHSAS in a letter to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senator Lonnie Paxton.
See part of the letter below.
The troubling issues that have continued to emerge at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services are the result of years of mismanagement—these challenges did not arise overnight. When I appointed Commissioner Allie Friesen, I specifically charged her with shining a light on the agency, rooting out longstanding problems, and building a more accountable and transparent department. What we are seeing now is the necessary, if painful, result of that mission being carried out with integrity and urgency.
Governor Kevin Stitt
The governor has also outlined three immediate actions to stabilize ODMHSAS operations to ensure long-term reform:
A nationally respected, independent financial expert will be brought in to take temporary control of the department's finances. This expert will assess the agency's financial shortfall and produce an accurate and credible supplemental budget request for the Legislature.
As previously announced, the Governor will name a well-regarded attorney with experience in complex investigations to conduct a full and independent review of ODMHSAS. The investigator will report directly to the Governor's Office and will have full authority to follow the facts wherever they lead.
The Governor has directed Oklahoma Healthcare Authority CEO Ellen Buettner, along with ODMHSAS officials, to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all Medicaid and federally funded functions within the agency. This effort will evaluate whether these responsibilities should be administered by a different agency or in a different manner to ensure greater accountability and efficiency.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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