OPEA

At one time the source of legislative cronyism and scandalous headlines, the Oklahoma Health Department has signaled a return to accountability by announcing the publication of a new agency “Ethics Handbook.”

As released by Dr. Mike Crutcher, health commissioner, the guidebook is designed for use by more than 2,500 employees in Oklahoma City and 70 county health departments.

“Things here are different. They are much healthier. It’s a more ethical health department,” said Dr. Gordon Deckert, health department board member.

Among the highlights of the book are:

• No agency official should accept “a phone call from a state representative or senator…that they are calling in a favor for a friend...”
• Health Department employees “cannot use state employment for personal gain or private advantage.”
• Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation and prohibited conduct is clearly outlined.

“I am pleased to report that we are the first state agency to develop an ethics handbook for use by state employees,” Crutcher said. “I believe very strongly that this handbook will help us continue to foster a positive work environment where we understand and uphold the public trust.”

OPEA executive director Sterling Zearley said that, while the handbook is an excellent idea, the overwhelming majority of Health Department workers were far removed from previous “ghost employee” scandals.

“While it was unfortunate that unclassified positions were abused, our members and other longtime workers within the Oklahoma Department of Health continued to serve the needs of Oklahomans without fail,” he said.