Attorney General Gentner Drummond responded to a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) report concerning the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The report claims that individuals with mental health disabilities have been unnecessarily institutionalized in the state.
Drummond expressed skepticism about the federal approach, stating, "While I strongly support reform of the mental health system, I am wary of yet another top-down approach in this 11th hour report by the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice." He indicated that his office would carefully examine the findings but criticized what he perceives as federal overreach. "The DOJ report appears to be an attempt to bully Oklahoma into compliance with ever-changing and undefined targets," he added, noting such actions are consistent with previous measures from the current administration.
Drummond's office is representing Oklahoma in addressing these allegations.