OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The Oklahoma House of Representatives has announced yet another investigation into the finances of the state’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), following ongoing concerns about missing funds. The new investigation, set to take place Thursday at 1:30 p.m., marks the fourth probe into the department’s financial practices in as many months.
The investigation comes after House Speaker Kyle Hilbert voiced alarm over millions of dollars that appear to be unaccounted for at ODMHSAS. During a press conference earlier this month, Hilbert referenced a $5 million discrepancy, though he noted that the total missing funds could be as high as $100 million.
“One glaring example, I know on a $5 million may not seem like a lot of money in light of the 90 or $100 million that the Department of Mental Health is also missing,” Hilbert said on April 3.
The announcement of the new investigation coincides with an earlier statement from Governor Kevin Stitt, who called for an independent third-party investigation into the department’s financial management. When questioned about the need for another inquiry, Stitt expressed uncertainty, but emphasized that he had been aware of issues within the department for some time.
“I’ve known about problems within the department for quite some time,” Stitt said. “When I first got here in 2019, I wanted a fresh set of eyes on everything. I called for an investigation and deep audits… and really wanted to bring in a fresh set of eyes all across state government.”
Despite Stitt’s apparent awareness of the department’s financial troubles, this marks the fourth investigation since the beginning of the year. Lawmakers have expressed frustration that issues with the department have persisted despite previous probes, leading to questions about the department’s transparency and accountability.
In response to the mounting scrutiny, ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen declined to confirm whether she would attend Thursday’s legislative meeting but issued a statement to the press.
“We welcome the opportunity to answer any questions and are committed to full transparency throughout this process,” Friesen said. “ODMHSAS looks forward to working collaboratively with the Legislature to provide the information needed. Our focus remains on serving Oklahomans and ensuring continued access to critical mental health and substance use services.”
The investigations have drawn attention to how state agencies handle taxpayer funds, particularly within departments responsible for vulnerable populations. As the state looks to address the financial concerns at ODMHSAS, it remains to be seen what the outcomes of these multiple probes will reveal and what measures will be taken to restore confidence in the department’s operations.
As the Thursday meeting approaches, both state lawmakers and residents are awaiting answers on how the department will address these ongoing financial concerns.
