Office of Accountability Systems
The Office of Accountability Systems (OAS) serves as an independent accountability risk management system within the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Its mission is to promote accountability and integrity in all OSDH programs by fostering and perpetuating an ethical culture throughout the Agency.
OAS Responsibilities
- Receive and fairly investigate complaints by, or information from, OSDH employees, service recipients and/or members of the general public concerning the possible existence of an activity within the OSDH constituting a violation of law, rules, regulations, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority or a substantial and specific danger to the public health and safety.
- Coordinate audits and investigations and make reports to the BOH and State Commissioner of Health.
- Communicate and work effectively with Agency leadership.
- OAS Director to create an infrastructure that will foster and perpetuate a positive ethical culture throughout the Agency, including an ethics training program consisting of mandatory ethics education and training activities for all OSDH employees that is constantly updated to insure vitality and responsiveness.
- As a result of these activities, an Ethics Handbook is provided and serves as a valuable guidance tool for OSDH employees faced with difficult ethical issues or concerns.
OSDH Expectations
- OSDH employees are encouraged to conduct themselves at all times in an ethical manner and not make decisions based solely upon self-interest and/or expediency.
- Agency leadership is encouraged to recognize and support the independent role of the OAS.
- OSDH employees are encouraged to follow their normal supervisory chain of command pursuant to the Agency’s administrative procedures that are not within the scope of OAS complaints policy.
- If a situation arises where an OSDH employee is not able to follow his or her normal chain of command, he or she is encouraged to speak in complete confidence and by statute confidentiality with the OAS Director. An OSDH employee may discuss OAS matters with the Director without the knowledge or consent of the employee’s supervisor.
- OSDH will not tolerate or condone any retaliatory disciplinary action against an OSDH employee who in good faith engages in protected whistleblower activity.
Complaint Form
How do I report suspected fraud or abuse of authority to the Office of Accountability?
Please report any suspected fraud or abuse of authority through the following complaint form - OAS Complaint Form.pdf (oklahoma.gov) or send an email including the specifics of the complaint to OAS@health.ok.gov.
Who does the Office of Accountability report to?
The Office of Accountability reports directly to the Commissioner for the OSDH.
How long does an investigation take?
Investigations vary on a case by case basis, but are typically handled on the basis of first-in/first-out. Most investigations can be completed within 90 days. However, there are times when, due to prioritization by the Commissioner or OSDH need, newer investigations are prioritized.
Does OAS take telephone complaints?
Yes, the number to file a complaint is (866) 271-7211, but the most efficient means to file a complaint is utilizing the form (OAS Complaint Form.pdf (oklahoma.gov)) and is preferable.
Is the process confidential?
Yes, the complaint process itself is confidential. However, in order to fully investigate anonymity cannot be guaranteed, depending upon the nature of the investigation.
Will I be disciplined for filing a complaint about my supervisor?
Unless the complaint itself is fraudulent, then any form of discipline or retaliation after filing a complaint is prohibited.
- Oklahoma's Official Website
- Oklahoma Supreme Court Network
- Oklahoma Public Employees Association OPEA
- Attorney General
- Office of Personnel Management
- Merit Protection Commission
- Oklahoma Ethics Commission
- Ethics Commission Rules for State Employees
- State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
- State Board of Osteopathic Examiners
- Oklahoma Board of Nursing
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EEOC
- Oklahoma Department of Labor
- Office of the Governor
- Surplus Property Transfer Form
- Department of Environmental Quality
- Oklahoma Human Rights Commission
- Office of State Finance
- Oklahoma House of Representatives
- Oklahoma State Senate
- Secretary of State
| Year | Event |
| 2002 | OSDH, the Oklahoma State Board of Health (BOH) and the Oklahoma Legislature created the Office of Accountability Systems. |
| 2006 | Oklahoma State Legislature statutorily reaffirmed the BOH’s mandates for the OAS when it enacted SB 1803. Senate Bill 1803 is codified at Section 1-105f of Title 63 of the Oklahoma State Statutes and sets forth the powers and duties of the OAS. |
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Office of Accountability
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
Phone: (405) 521-6355
Email: OAS@health.ok.gov
