Explanation of records request

The Oklahoman filed its request with several state departments to learn how state officials made the decision to return millions of dollars in federal funding and scrap plans for a state-run health care exchange, a primary tenet of the new health care law passed by President Barack Obama last year.

Fourteen department employees in total — including its commissioner, John Doak — handed over all of their emails and planning documents that mentioned the phrase “health care exchange,” “Affordable Care Act,” or the words “Obamacare” or “blueprint,” as well as any other correspondence in regards to the development of a state or federal exchange.

The records extended back to Jan. 1, 2011, when Doak's elected term began.