Bristow Hospital Authority holds executive session on ARPA-related claims; no action taken afterward

At its July 7, 2025 meeting the Bristow Hospital Authority voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss potential legal claims involving American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and reimbursement requests tied to hospital construction and administration.

The motion to enter executive session was made by Trustee Judd Johns and seconded by Trustee Kevin Deshazo. The motion’s text specified confidential communications and discussions with legal counsel regarding claims by the Oklahoma State Department of Health involving the ARPA grant and reimbursement of expenses, and claims for reimbursement by Carrus Lakeside Hospital, LLC. The board cited state law authorizing the executive session. The roll call recorded the members present voting in favor and the motion passed.

After reconvening the Authority read “Item No. 7 — Proposed action following executive session,” but trustees offered no comments or questions and "no action was taken on agenda item No. 7." The minutes do not record any formal direction given to staff or legal counsel following the session.

The matter referenced potential litigation and a request that the Authority’s attorney and outside counsel evaluate the claims and communicate with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and representatives of Carrus. The transcript lists the entities involved but records no substantive public discussion or a final decision on those points at this meeting. The meeting record shows two trustees absent: Joe Church and Jeff Roberts.

Next steps were not specified in the minutes. The Authority adjourned at the end of the meeting.