A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that aimed to stop the Indian Health Service from transferring control of the W.W. Hastings Indian Hospital to the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees Indians said it wasn't consulted about the decision. The Cherokee Nation took control of the hospital last October.

Judge James H. Payne did not rule on the merits of the claim. Instead, he ruled that the lawsuit couldn't proceed without the Cherokee Nation as a party, but since the tribe hasn't waived its sovereign immunity, it can't be joined without consent.

The Cherokee Nation plans to expand the hospital.

Get the Story:
United Keetoowah Claim against IHS Dismissed on Rule 19 Grounds (Turtle Talk 6/2)

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