The class-action lawsuit filed against the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) for allegedly not providing restorative treatments in a timely manner to people who have been ruled not fit to stand trial is getting closer to being settled. This comes after a previous disagreement between Governor Kevin Stitt and Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen with how Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond was proceeding with the agreement.
The case alleged ODMHSAS violated due process rights of some jail inmate who needed restorative treatment so they can stand trial. Some of those inmates waited a year or more. The lawsuit was filed in March of 2023.
The proposed consent decree provides a strategic plan for services to be provided by the agency.
“This settlement is a significant win for Oklahoma. Victims and their families no longer will have to endure unnecessary delays for justice to be served, our criminal justice system will be rid of problems that have plagued it for years and Oklahomans will save tens of millions in taxpayer dollars by avoiding the costs and risks of ongoing litigation,” said Drummond.
Governor Stitt praised Commissioner Friesen for her part in reaching the settlement.
“Commissioner Allie Friesen has worked tirelessly to promote the well-being of Oklahomans in state custody while ensuring Oklahoma taxpayers aren’t on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in attorney and consultant fees. I am proud of her leadership. This deal will resolve the issues at hand in this lawsuit without keeping Oklahoma taxpayers in an endless settlement agreement that puts the health of Oklahomans at risk,” said Stitt.
Friesen believes this settlement will move things in a positive direction.
“This resolution is a significant step forward in ensuring meaningful mental health support for Oklahomans in state custody while honoring our commitment to Oklahoma taxpayers,” said Commissioner Allie Friesen. “Our priority remains improving evidence-based care and outcomes for all Oklahomans, and this agreement helps us continue that mission,” Friesen said.
It is expected that the Stitt chaired Contingency Review Board will take the new agreement into consideration in January 2025.
