Monday, May 18, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY – With the close of legislative session, Interim Commissioner Greg Slavonic’s temporary service at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) has concluded. Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health Clay Bullard is overseeing the agency’s leadership transition while the process to identify the next interim commissioner moves forward. “I’m grateful for Admiral Slavonic’s dedication and willingness to serve at ODMHSAS during a critical transition period,” said Clay Bullard, Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health and CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. “His expertise from his time at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs helped strengthen agency operations and position ODMHSAS for its next phase. We thank the ODMHSAS leadership team and the legislature, for their commitment to the FY27 budget and the Oklahomans we serve.” Secretary Bullard is currently interviewing candidates and will provide recommendations for the next interim commissioner to Governor Stitt. In the meantime, he will work closely with ODMHSAS leadership to ensure continuity of services in all 77 counties and maintain ongoing communication with employees, providers and vendors throughout the transition. “Thank you to Representative Stinson and Senator Rosino for advancing legislation to support a feasibility study focused on strengthening coordination across Oklahoma’s health systems,” said Bullard. “Admiral Slavonic has served our state well, and the cabinet looks forward to continuing the momentum he set in motion over the past year.” Source

Lawmakers in Oklahoma plan to strengthen regulations on pharmacy benefit managers “Third-party administrative managers of prescription drug benefits will face continued state-federal enforcement action from Oklahoma officials next year. And it’s likely to ramp up. In an interim study before the House Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee earlier this month, state lawmakers examined the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Oklahoma’s health care system. More specifically, the study was conducted to learn how their practices affect drug access for patients, local pharmacies and state health care costs. ”

“OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 10, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond today vowed to continue defending a new state law designed to protect Oklahoma’s rural healthcare providers after a federal judge blocked the enforcement of key provisions while three pharmaceutical companies challenge the law in court.”