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OPEA Files Injunction Against ODMHSAS

OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley talks to reporters at a Capitol press conference after filing an injunction against ODMHSAS

 

 

Today the Oklahoma Public Employees Association filed an injunction against the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, citing a lack of protocol in awarding a contract to a private vendor—a move that could result in a loss of jobs for state employees.

 

OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley, accompanied by Fellers-Snider attorney Carole Houghton, addressed reporters at a Capitol press conference.

 

“We rarely call for a press conference, so you know today we mean business,” Zearley said.  “The Department of Mental Health is in the process even as we speak of privatizing functions formerly performed by state employees and potentially displacing them.  The Department has failed to take the mandatory steps set forth in law prior to executing a contract with a private provider.”

 

OPEA met with ODMHSAS Commissioner Terri White July 9, to discuss the implementation of the agency’s budget.  However, White was not forthcoming with her intent to privatize the operations and management of a portion of Building 52 at Griffin Memorial Hospital in Norman.

 

“We are concerned because Commissioner White is taking a significant portion of the Griffin budget and using it to pay a private contractor,” Zearley said.  “The Commissioner has assured us there would be no displacement of employees.  However, we believe there is a deliberate attempt to privatize Griffin, and a significant number of dedicated state employees could lose their jobs.

 

“OPEA has a 35-year reputation for protecting state employees.  Commissioner White has not gone through the process required by law to award a private contract.  As a result, OPEA talked to our attorneys at Fellers-Snider, and decided the only recourse to protect our state employees and the patients they serve was to take the matter into the legal realm.  Until we have the entire story, we will pursue every avenue possible to protect our valuable public servants, the patients they serve, and ultimately hold down costs for taxpayers,” Zearley said.

Click here to read the injunction
Posted on Wed, August 12, 2009 by Mark Beutler

10 comments (Add your own)

1. FattCatt wrote:
I just wonder what connection is there between Terri White and Red Rock?
I bet if we did some digging this company is owned by a bother-in-law, cousin or a good friend of hers. This sneaky behavior smells a little fishy to me.

This is a perfect example of why we must have OPEA in our corner. In years past this was the kind of things that would happen regularly…no warning just “Your job has been contracted out. Here’s a job in Guymon you can transfer to.

Also this law that just saved several jobs was sponsored by OPEA in 2002. Had this law not been in place, there would have been nothing to stop ODMHSAS from eliminating these positions and awarding this contract.

Another great return on our investment in OPEA!

Thank You OPEA!

LOBBY DAY 2010 BE THERE!

>*x*<

Thu, August 13, 2009 @ 10:53 AM

2. Tankman wrote:
This is a good move by OPEA to protect the workers in mental health. I hope OPEA wins on this and stops all this privitization. You folks that have not joined OPEA better get with us while you have a chance. Times are scary.

Thu, August 13, 2009 @ 11:03 AM

3. Mental Health Services for Sale wrote:
Mental Health has decided to sell out both the people who need services and the people providong the services to the highest bidder. Once again shame on the Governor, Commissioner of Mental Health and Oklahoma legislators for not looking at what works best for the State. Handing everything over to a private company gives them power to control services and how much the State pays for these services. We hear that the private vendor can bill for services that the hospital cannot bill for. There is a simple answer. There is a State run Community Mental Health Center in Norman that can provide the same services as the private vendor and bill for the same services. So what is being said is a "smoke screen" by everyone concerned.

Fri, August 14, 2009 @ 2:44 PM

4. too long with the state to quit now wrote:
What FattCatt alluded to is just what's happening. People are being told that the job available for them is in Tulsa and on undesirable shifts. Aides cant afford to just pick up and move to Tulsa, especially when they have families and are barely scraping by, and they certainly can't afford to drive over 100 miles each way every day. Unrealistic expectations for people who haven't even had a raise since... when? 2006? The agency has it figured out though, it's less costly than RIFing them to make an unacceptable offer and let the people quit. Very dirty ODMHSAS.

Sat, August 15, 2009 @ 8:25 PM

5. MENTAL HEALTH FOR SALE wrote:
Interesting in that the Tulsa staff are being told they have to transfer to Norman. Another one of ODMHSAS leaderships great moves. Force people to quit and save their money for the private vendors pockets.....

Sun, August 16, 2009 @ 1:15 PM

6. FattCatt wrote:
too long with the state to quit now, (Amen)


All the more reason all state employees must be a member of OPEA...OPEA has a little bit of a bite now but, with more teeth (members)the the bigger the bite out of their a** OPEA can take!

This contract will not be approved, OPEA has made sure of that plus they will be keeping a very close eye on ODMHSAS from now on...you can count on it!

LOBBY DAY 2010!!! I can't say it enough!
We all need to show up in full force this next year...not just for ourselves but, for the safty and well being of Oklahoma citizens.

>*x*<

Mon, August 17, 2009 @ 8:04 AM

7. FattCatt wrote:
MENTAL HEALTH FOR SALE,

ODMHSAS is not only breaking the law they are also breaking OPM policy.
If you are RIF'ed out of your position or it has been eliminated you have right's! The state has to offer you a position within so many miles from your current place of employment...I think it's 20 or 30 miles I'm not sure but it's dam for sure not 100 miles! What ODMHSAS is trying to do is insane and plain stupid. I am and undoubtedly OPEA are very shocked that ODMHSAS would even try to take this kind of sneaky and underhanded action.

I can tell you for a fact no one is going anywhere right now nor do I think anyone will for a long time. Also if your position is eliminated you do have rights they can’t just come in and bully you around. If you ever have any concern about an action in your office or work place that is questionable, call OPEA even if you’re a member or not and let them know. You don’t have to be a member of OPEA to call them, the more information they have the better OPEA can protect our jobs.

Times are real scary right now and will continue to get worse if we don’t come together as one very loud voice! Anyone not involved with OPEA or not attending Lobby Day is asking to lose their job.

LOBBY DAY 2010

>*x*<

Mon, August 17, 2009 @ 9:06 AM

8. Mental Health worker wrote:
Looking at the web site and seeing the legislators at OPEA wanting a check when we are going through this kind of crap as well as other state agencies. How can they even approach OPEA members and ask them for money. I think they should be in the Governor's office, Terri White's office and demanding to know "what the hell is going on". Instead they are lunching at OPEA on members money and asking for a check.

Tue, August 18, 2009 @ 4:29 PM

9. MLK wrote:
I WORK AT ODMHSAS AND SINCE I HAVE LESS SENORITY THAN SOME THAT ARE LOOSING THEIR JOBS I WAS TOLD SOMEONE CAN TAKE MY JOB- I WILL BE GIVEN NO NOTICE- NO APPLICATION/NO INTERVIEW.

Tue, August 25, 2009 @ 4:40 PM

10. Roberta G wrote:
Another move, done in the same manner as this privitazation, that will hurt state employees is the merging with OK Health Care Authority-- "combined billing" they say. But what's really happening is more of OHCA running DMHSAS services (DMHSAS have already let OHCA dictate what treartment plans are to look like and contain, what forms should be used, composition of treamtnet groups and at times what services are to be provided to whom.....) When their plan goes into effect (was to be OCT now Dec) CADC's will no longer be paid to provde the counseling they are trained & certified BY LAW to do--only for rehab services. In addition, the number of clients in a group for which they will pay will be reduced significantly, forcing some agencies to fire/release employees because they cannot afford the extra group sessions. There has been NO documented sound evidence to justify this or depriving CADC's of their livelihood (which is against the law), just someone's "pet" opinion.
All CADC's and those under supervision need to be contacting Trish at OPEA and objecting to both of these moves. Spread the word to all. LADC's, LPC's, LMFT's, LSW's, LBP's will also be affected. Not paying for CADC's mean the licensed people will have to provide even more services with less time. It could be your job/position.
So much for the "themes" of delivering excellant care", creating healthier communites and increasing access to services. Mental health services in this state are deteriorating rapidly. OPEA is our best ally to prevent the erosion of state services--DMHSAS now, who knows which agency next.

Tue, August 25, 2009 @ 8:27 PM

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