Opinion Editorial: Human Services Commission moves forward to clarify its oversight role

As the DHS comes under increased examination so, too, has the Human Services Commission which provides oversight of the agency.  Insistence that it accepts more supervisory responsibility is being voiced by the Governor, Legislature and citizens of Oklahoma.  Editorials have mentioned “lax oversight” and many are asking, “What has happened?”  Generally, the answer is simple: During critical DHS events, the Commission’s governance remained consistent with its own understanding of its management role.  Its perception was shaped not only by the simple language of the state’s Constitution and DHS By-Laws but, as one would expect, the pattern of control exercised by prior Commissions.

A pointed and more critical question is, “What is the proper supervisory role of the Commission?”  When this board was constitutionally established in 1936, it’s doubtful that anyone could foresee an era when the “Department of Public Welfare” (as originally named) would require 7,000 employees to deliver numerous services to a large percentage of Oklahomans and operate with a 2.2 billion dollar annual budget.  Given the current size and complexity of the DHS, what exactly are the responsibilities of the Commission as we move forward in the 21st century?  What is the legitimate and appropriate role of each of the nine volunteer citizens who, at the expense of their businesses, family and other responsibilities, are called upon to serve the agency and their fellow citizens?

Answers to these questions are vitally important to the current Members of the Commission.   A fresh look and objective study is necessary.  As Chair of the Organizational Structure Committee, I am committed to identifying the appropriate role of this board.  Among other objectives, this study will include the function of committees, the interaction with the Director and agency staff and its statutory obligations.  Most important, the Commission must know how to lead the agency in successfully delivering services to those in great need.  I’m thankful to Chairman DeVaughn for his leadership and for the other Commissioners whose support of this effort is only exceeded by their commitment to responsibly serve fellow Oklahomans.  Yes, it certainly appears that the current governance model needs to be modified.  We must get this right and we will.

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