A bill that would give Oklahoma's governor sweeping new power to appoint the heads of 10 different state entities is scheduled for a vote in a Senate committee.
The bill by Broken Arrow Republican Sen. Nathan Dahm is scheduled for a hearing Monday in his Senate General Government Committee.
It calls for the heads of 10 different state agencies and boards to be terminated effective Jan. 1 and allows the governor to name their replacements.
The affected agencies include the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Board of Health and Office of Juvenile Affairs. Those directors currently are appointed by their governing boards.
Gov. Mary Fallin's spokesman, Alex Weintz, says the governor supports the measure.
The proposed legislation includes changes for the following agencies:
- The Executive Director appointed by the Oklahoma State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
- The Executive Director appointed by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry;
- The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Pharmacy;
- The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision;
- The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners;
- The Executive Director appointed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners;
- The Chief Operating Officer appointed by the Board of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority;
- The Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services appointed by the Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services;
- The Commissioner of Health appointed by the State Board of Health; and
- The Executive Director appointed by the Office of Juvenile Affairs.
-----
KGOU is a community-supported news organization and relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
