By Ben Morgan and FOX23.com News Staff
A group of 21 Republican state lawmakers have sent a letter to Attorney General Gentner Drummond requesting an investigation into Oklahoma’s COVID-19 response and hospital protocols.
Sen. Randy Grellner (R-Cushing), a previous member on the State Board of Health and a primary care doctor, said he’s requesting this investigation to provide proper answers to the members of his district who have remaining questions about the decisions made by hospitals and other authorities during the pandemic.
“Over the past four years, I’ve heard from residents across my district and across Oklahoma about the deep pain, confusion and loss they experienced during the pandemic. Oklahomans saw untold death and despair, and people are still trying to make sense of how the state and local hospitals handled the unprecedented crisis. We’re simply asking for answers and accountability to correct the historical record and ensure the state does not repeat the same mistakes in future pandemics.”
Rep. Molly Jenkins (R-Coyle) and Rep. Jim Shaw (R-Chandler) have both assisted Grellner with gathering lawmakers together to request the investigation.
Rep. Jenkins stated, “The stories I hear from constituents make it clear that too many Oklahomans were left without basic dignity during the pandemic. People were cut off from their loved ones, denied choices and left with no explanation for decisions that shaped their final days. We need a straightforward, independent review to determine what went wrong and to make sure no family ever faces that kind of isolation again.”
The lawmakers explained they want the investigation to determine if pandemic protocols and actions violated state laws or denied families proper informed consent.
According to the lawmakers, many families specifically cited issues surrounding isolation from their loved ones or denials of alternative treatments.
“The inconsistencies in how decisions were made during the pandemic raise serious concerns that can’t be ignored,” said Shaw. “When authority isn’t clearly defined and families are shut out of critical moments, we have a responsibility to get answers. A review by the attorney general will clarify where the system failed and what must be corrected to protect Oklahomans in the future.”
To read the full letter sent to the Attorney General, click here.
