Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has tasked attorney Robert McCampbell with spearheading an investigation into the alleged mismanagement within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), as reported earlier today. The appointment of McCampbell, a lawyer with Gable Gotwals, comes in response to potential issues raised by Commissioner Allie Friesen that hinted at abuse, waste, and possible fraud within the state agency.
"Robert and his team will leave no stone unturned because the people of Oklahoma deserve to know exactly what went wrong, and who is responsible," Governor Stitt remarked, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability. In his letter to Oklahoma lawmakers, Governor Stitt has assured that this independent investigation aims to restore public trust in the ODMHSAS, acknowledging the complexity of the issues which, according to him, won't be resolved overnight.
The findings of this inquiry, as per the governor's office, will be reported directly to Stitt, guaranteeing an unfiltered and unbiased assessment of the department's operations. This move appears to be part of a larger initiative to overhaul and stabilize ODMHSAS through immediate reforms, seeking to align it more closely with the public's expectations of integrity and efficiency.
McCampbell's role as special counsel will be critical in unraveling the layers of misconduct that may have permeated the mental health department, and his findings will likely shape the future policies and leadership of ODMHSAS, and, the state's approach to mental health services.
