Oklahoma House launches fourth investigation into mental health department finances

Oklahoma lawmakers have launched a fourth investigation into the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) amid concerns about a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall and lack of transparency regarding state funds. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert formed a bipartisan select committee to clarify financial management within the agency, which has requested an additional $6.2 million to sustain services through the fiscal year. Other ongoing investigations include probes by Governor Kevin Stitt, the State Auditor, and the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency. The committee plans to question ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen about the department's current financial status, canceled contracts, the use of appropriations—including $5 million allocated for an electronic medical records system that was never implemented—and its future budget needs. Lawmakers emphasize their constitutional duty to provide oversight and seek to ensure continued access to critical mental health services for Oklahomans. Friesen has pledged transparency and cooperation throughout the process.