(a) Purpose.  The Office of Communications coordinates the dissemination of information about the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).

(b) Authority.  The Office of Communications under authority given in Article XXV, Section 4 of the Oklahoma Constitution.

(c) Scope.  The Office of Communications:

• (1) communicates a clear vision of OKDHS;
• (2) conveys to large and varied audiences information about programs, services, operations, and actions undertaken by OKDHS and its agents;
• (3) monitors health and human services issues as reported by the media on the state and national levels;
• (4) participates in an advisory role in social services-related activities involving other state agencies, county and local governments, advocacy groups, community organizations, and trade and professional organizations;
• (5) provides support and leadership for OKDHS celebrations and employee quality recognition events;
• (6) monitors OKDHS communications-related contracts;
• (7) coordinates and monitors OKDHS public service campaigns and provides support for public service and education projects;
• (8) serves as the central point of contact for the media and responds or arranges for a response to all inquiries from newspaper, magazine, radio, online media, and television journalists;
• (9) develops and disseminates OKDHS media releases;
• (10) provides communications counseling to OKDHS staff on media relations, public relations, and other communications matters;
• (11) publishes specified newsletters and serves as executive producers for OKDHS broadcast communications programs and projects;
• (12) monitors and consults on Internet and Intranet and other technology-driven communications content to ensure the delivery of clear, concise, cohesive, and accurate messages;
• (13) serves as a point of clearance on questionable communication materials and tools;
• (14) monitors and ensures the appropriate use of OKDHS brands, logos, and other images uniquely associated with the image of OKDHS;
• (15) files required information with the Secretary of State regarding OKDHS open meetings;  [OAC 340:1-1-19] and
• (16) complies with the Open Records Act through rules governing the receipt and processing of open records requests at OAC 340:2-21-12 through 340:2-21-16.