Oklahoma’s commissioner of health could also temporarily lead the state’s mental health department under a bill advanced by the House Wednesday night.
Lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 1572 would allow Health Commissioner Keith Reed to also temporarily lead the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Rear Adm. Gregory Slavonic has led the mental health agency in an interim capacity since June, but plans to resign when the Legislature ends session.
Reed, who would also continue to lead the state Department of Health, would be required to conduct a feasibility study and provide a report by March 1 on consolidating some of the administrative duties, programs and finances of the Mental Health Department with the state Department of Health.
Rep. Preston Stinson, R-Edmond, said this ensures continuity for department leadership until a permanent mental health executive is appointed by the next governor. Oklahoma voters will select the state’s next governor in November, and that person will take office in January. Gov. Kevin Stitt cannot run again due to term limits.
Stinson said there is currently no plan for increasing the compensation of the health commissioner serving in dual roles.
Oklahoma law prohibits dual-officeholding, but the bill would make an exception in this case until March 1 when the feasibility study is complete or when the new governor appoints someone.
Legislation calling for the study surfaced after state health officials at a press conference asked the Legislature to move some of the Mental Health Department’s services and responsibilities to other agencies, like the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the state Health Department.
The measure passed through the House with a vote of 86-5 and it returns to the Senate with amended language.
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