Republican State Senator Frank Simpson says he'll be introducing bills to get more training and better oversight for caregivers at Oklahoma Veterans Centers, after reports of neglect and even abuse of veterans at the centers.

"There are several examples I could share with you," Simpson said.  "Neglect, abuse, and retaliation against residents who had complained about the care they were getting."

He said the most shocking example happened at the center in Claremore in May of 2011, when he says a veteran named Jay Minter was placed in a malfunctioning whirlpool bath and was ultimately scalded to death by hot water.

Among other things, his bill would bring the State Health Department back into the inspection process.

He says they were removed in 2003 and says it's had a "devastating" impact.

He would also give the Governor's Office more authority over the Veterans Centers.