House subcommittee sets hearing on Indian Health Service bill

Monday, July 11, 2016  

The House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs will take testimony on a bill to reform the Indian Health Service on Tuesday.

Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) introduced H.R.5406, the Helping Ensure Accountability, Leadership, and Trust in Tribal Healthcare Act (HEALTTH Act) on June 8. The bill encourages more partnerships with tribes, addresses recruiting of heath professionals, updates the Purchased/Referred Care Program and calls for greater accountability at the IHS.

"The government is required by treaty to provide healthcare to tribal communities. IHS has failed to uphold that duty,” Noem said last month after introducing the bill. "The problems are pervasive, but my legislation is comprehensive. From care delivery to hospital administration, my legislation aims to dramatically improve the quality of healthcare while making the system more efficient, cost-effective, and accountable."

The HEALTTH Act was written to address tribal complaints about accountability, transparency and quality of care at the IHS. The agency has come under fire due to longstanding problems in the Great Plains Area, a region that includes South Dakota, Nebraska and North Dakota. Noem's bipartisan bill is being co-sponsored by lawmakers from the region.

Another reform bill, S.2953, the Indian Health Service Accountability Act, was heard by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs last month. Its provisions differ from H.R.5406.

The hearing takes place at 2pm on July 12 in Room 1334 of the Longworth House Office Building. A witness list hasn't been posted online.

The House Subcommittee Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs has not been busy this year. Since January, it has only held four hearings on Indian bills or Indian issues. The last hearing on an Indian bill took place nearly a month ago.

House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Notice:
Legislative Hearing on the "HEALTTH Act" (July 12, 2016)

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