The position of Secretary of Health and Human Services was established in 1986 by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.

The Act directed to the Secretary to oversee all agencies in the State relating to the public health and assistance programs.

The position was dissolved on February 1, 2003, by Governor Brad Henry when he split the post into two separate positions: the Oklahoma Secretary of Health concerned with public health protection and the Oklahoma Secretary of Human Services concerned with providing public assistance programs.

The Secretary has jurisdiction over most public assistance programs offered by the State.

As of fiscal year 2011, the Secretary of Health oversees 15,591 full-time employees and is responsible for an annual budget over $8 billion.