House committee approves Indian health care bill

Thursday, April 26, 2007  

By a voice vote, the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday approved H.R.1328, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

The bill seeks to modernize the Indian health care system. It gives tribes greater flexibility to provide services and to address substance abuse and mental health issues.

"Since the IHCIA was first enacted more than thirty years ago, much has changed in the health care arena and in Indian country. The dire needs of the populations served by the programs it established are not being sufficiently addressed, and their health and well-being are suffering as a result," said Rep. Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia), the chairman of the committee.

The bill needs to be approved by two other House committees. It is also being considered by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

House Bill:
Indian Health Care Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 (H.R.1328)

Relevant Documents:
Letter to President Bush | Letter to Alberto Gonzales | DOJ White Paper

Relevant Links:
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov
National Indian Health Board - http://www.nihb.org

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