Okla. Attorney General Mike Hunter Requests Audit Of OSDH

Oklahoma's Attorney General is asking for an investigative audit of the state health department.

The audit comes amid accusations that the agency took "risky" steps to find personal protective equipment.

Oklahoma AG Mike Hunter says this is his duty, but his office is not elaborating on the audit request right now. 

to the Oklahoman, this follows reports of extreme steps state officials have been taking to find personal protective equipment. The paper reported Tuesday a $9.5 million purchase of N-95 masks from a new company was called off. The FBI is investigating the company for possible fraudulent activity involving Chinese ventilators.

That's just one of the multiple examples the Oklahoman gives.

The Attorney General's request was written in several letters to the Oklahoma State Health Department. Shortly after, Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement saying he didn't agree with audit.

"It is disappointing that the Attorney General would see the need to entangle the agency with an investigation when it is in the midst of responding to the most historic pandemic of our time," the statement said in part.

The governor said he expects compliance and there's already strong reporting requirements in place. OSDH Commissioner Gary Cox said the department has been transparent. 

The Oklahoman is reporting the audit could begin as early as next week.