State Auditor rejoins special audit of the Oklahoma State Department of Health

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The Oklahoma State Auditor is re-joining a special audit of the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Gary Jones says he has determined that any possible conflict he has on the audit has been resolved with the departure of former interim director Preston Doerflinger.

“Four months ago, I made the ethical and professional decision to step aside from the audit process looking into the mishandling of $30 million by former OSDH personnel,” Jones said. “At issue was ensuring public confidence in the integrity of the final report and that any personal bias didn’t impair the independence of our office."

In December, Jones said he was taking an "ethical stance" and stepped aside after engaging in a war of words with Doerflinger.

“While I have not been involved in the Special Audit up to this point, I am now assuming the role the citizens of our state elected me to do,” Jones said. “My very public disagreement with the former Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services ceased to be an issue when he resigned from public service.

Doerflinger resigned from his position amid domestic violence accusations. The Oklahoma State Department of Health has been the focus of a special investigation into the misuse of $30 million in funds.