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Oklahoma has made headlines recently with a controversial legislative proposal that has raised serious concerns among mental health professionals, advocates, and citizens alike. A bill currently under consideration seeks to move the responsibilities of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) under the authority of the Department of Corrections (DOC). Let that sink in.
Read about current mental health investigations in Oklahoma
See details of the legislative proposal on the official Oklahoma House website
What Does House Bill 1343 Propose?
Introduced by Rep. Justin Humphrey (R-Lane), House Bill 1343 would abolish ODMHSAS entirely, handing over its duties—including prevention, treatment, and crisis response—to the Department of Corrections. According to Rep. Humphrey, this move is intended to highlight failures in the current mental health system and shift care for those with mental illness into a more controlled environment: the prison system.
Humphrey has argued that jails are currently acting as de facto mental health hospitals due to a lack of state-run facilities, which has resulted in counties facing massive lawsuits, increased liability, and financial strain.
Why This Has Sparked Outrage
Critics of the bill argue that this move sends a dangerous message: that mental illness should be treated as a criminal justice issue rather than a public health concern. Mental health professionals have emphasized that placing care under DOC could:
- Further stigmatize mental illness
- Deter individuals from seeking help
- Reduce access to preventive and outpatient services
- Prioritize incarceration over rehabilitation
Mental health advocates fear that blending correctional philosophy with therapeutic treatment will erode trust in mental health institutions and potentially worsen outcomes for those in need.
Current Investigations & Concerns with ODMHSAS
Part of the justification for the bill comes amidst multiple financial investigations into ODMHSAS. State Auditor Cindy Byrd has cited mismanagement and raised questions about financial practices within the agency. This has led to a broader reevaluation of how mental health services are funded and delivered in Oklahoma.
Still, most professionals agree that systemic reform—not criminal alignment—is the appropriate path forward.
A Consent Decree for Competency Restoration
In a separate but related development, the state legislature recently passed a consent decree to address delays in mental health services for incarcerated individuals deemed unfit to stand trial. This agreement aims to reduce the backlog and speed up access to psychiatric treatment in jails. While a positive step, it underscores the state’s broader challenges in balancing care with incarceration.
What This Means for the Future of Mental Health in Oklahoma
If HB 1343 passes, it could redefine how mental health is understood, treated, and funded in Oklahoma. At stake is not just an administrative reshuffle but a shift in societal values—are we treating mental health with the compassion and complexity it deserves, or are we pushing it into the shadows of the prison system?
If you’re a mental health professional, advocate, or concerned citizen, now is the time to speak up. Legislation like this shapes the framework of care for years to come.
Let’s Protect Mental Health in Oklahoma
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Wow, I had no idea this was a thing. It’s amazing how the state of mental health can shift. We really need to be attentive to potential changes.
We certainly do, that is why I am spreading the word.