Oklahoma House launches special investigation into Mental Health Department finances

Oklahoma House leaders have formed a special committee to investigate financial concerns at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. 

The focus on the agency has rippled across the Capitol complex; Gov. Kevin Stitt has also launched his own investigation, the State Auditor and Inspector has launched its own, and the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency is conducting its own. 

House leaders have set a time for Thursday at 1:30 p.m., and the agency’s commissioner, Allie Friesen, will be called before the special committee. 

"It is our constitutional duty to oversee and appropriate state funds, and we take that role very seriously," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, a Republican from Bristow, in a news release. "We have just over a month left in this legislative session and we still don't have a clear understanding of how much state funding ODMHSAS needs. This public hearing will help us get to the bottom of what has happened and what needs to happen moving forward." 

Q: When did the issue begin? 

Friesen first elevated the issue in a March 5 letter to Stitt. 

In her message, she initially told Stitt, “my staff has uncovered serious concerns regarding the allocation of state-appropriated funds within the behavioral health program of the state Medicaid program.” 

Friesen told Stitt she believes the problem originated with the prior administration of the agency. 

Q: How bad is the problem? 

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse has presently asked for $6.2 million as a supplemental appropriation to cover until the end of the fiscal year on June 30. 

But. Hilbert. said there have been different numbers put out there, creating some confusion. 

“I think a public hearing is necessary so there’s no ‘he said, she said’ of what was said,” Hilbert explained during an April 9 media availability. “And not just for the legislature, but, and not just because the press is in the room, I think it’s important to have the press there in the room. I think it’s important to have the press there asking questions about where the money is being spent, and where it’s going.” 

Q: When is the hearing? 

House leaders have set the hearing for Thursday, April 17, at 1:30 p.m. in room 450 at the Capitol. A spokesperson for ODMHSAS did not respond to questions, including a question asking for confirmation that Friesen planned to attend. 

However, in her initial letter to Governor Stitt about her agency’s financial position, Friesen committed to working with state leaders and being transparent. 

Representatives Chris Kannady (R-Oklahoma City) and Ellyn Hefner (D-Oklahoma City) have both been seated on the special committee. 

Kannady has not yet responded to a request for comment, but Hefner told News 9 she is prepared for Thursday’s hearing. 

"I look forward to the opportunity to protect Oklahomans’ money and the services they depend on by ensuring we are properly funding ODMHSAS,” she said. “Mental health is already a major concern for our state, and I am committed to doing everything I can to support Oklahomans and ensure they receive the mental health and substance abuse services they need. Each year, the legislature works to appropriately allocate state funds, and this committee will focus on identifying the best ways to address the challenges currently faced by ODMHSAS."