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Week of December 16, 2024

NIHB Releases 2nd Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS II)

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is excited to announce the release of the 2nd Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan (PHICCS II). This national scan evaluates the capacity of Tribal public health systems and organizations to deliver essential public health services. Key highlights include insights on workforce development, immunization, and prevention/education, along with newly integrated findings on COVID-19 screening, education, and preparedness. Learn more here.

IHS and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Joint Letter Protecting Approved Purchased/Referred Care Program Patients from Improper Bills

On December 12th, the CFPB and the IHS issued a joint letter regarding PRC patient protections. Through this action, the IHS reiterates that the IHCIA prohibits medical providers, suppliers, or billers from holding approved PRC program patients liable for any costs or charges associated with the provision of the approved health care services. IHS and CFPB have collaborated to protect IHS-approved PRC Program patients from improper bills and collection on improper bills under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Patients who have been negatively impacted by misdirected PRC bills can submit a complaint to the CFPB complaint portal.

Learn more here.

This week, Congress intends to pass a temporary workaround to avert a federal shutdown on December 20th. Congress has been discussing a package that will extend federal funding into March 2025, but the details of the package are still unknown. Sunday was the soft deadline for Congress to release a draft of the continuing resolution package but discussions regarding economic aid for farmers stalled negotiations. At the time of this writing, we expect the continuing resolution to also include an extension for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, but the funding level and length of reauthorization are unclear. NIHB will share updates as they are received. 

 

Today, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R. 5009, the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which could be used as a FY 2025 funding vehicle. NIHB is closely monitoring this issue and will continue to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Last week, on December 13th, S.4365 - Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act passed the Senate and will now go to the House for further consideration. The legislation would authorize public health veterinary services to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for rabies prevention and for other purposes. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, commented upon Senate passage that “S.4365, the Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act, is vital to combatting rabies and other zoonotic diseases in Native communities across the nation.” Click here to read the full press release. 


NIHB has compiled advocacy resources to help:

  • Mandatory Funding for CSC and 105(l) Leases: NIHB will continue advancing our advocacy efforts regarding moving Tribal Contract Support Costs (CSC) and 105(l) Lease Payments to mandatory appropriations this month. This includes getting Members of Congress to sign onto letters to leadership supporting this change. Visit our advocacy resource page for more information and to see how you can get involved! 
  • SDPI Renewal: The Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) expires on December 31, 2024. Click here for additional resources supporting renewal of this critical program.  


Please contact NIHB’s Congressional Relations team for more information at wdavis@nihb.org and tbarrett@nihb.org.  

Hearings

Topic: Legislative Hearing

Committee: House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health

Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 2:30 PM EST

Hearing Webpage Link

IHS December 12 Letter: The IHS Director writes today to reaffirm the commitment of the Indian Health Service to protecting our patients and improving the Purchased/Referred Care program

 

OASH December 6 Letter: OASH Recent Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis Tribal Consultation

 

IHS December 5 Letter: The IHS Director writes to Tribal Leaders and Urban Indian Organization Leaders to announce the release of the Indian Health Service Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2025-2029


IHS November 14 Letter: The IHS Director and the HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary write to initiate a joint Tribal Consultation on how HUD and IHS programs can better address housing-related water and sewer infrastructure needs.

View NIHB's Full Dear Tribal Leader Letter Tracker

Consultations

Treasury and Internal Revenue Service Consultations on Tribal General Benefits (REG-106851- 21) Proposed Rule

Dear Tribal Leader Letter

Comments Due: December 17, 2024, 11:59 Alaska Time


IHS Consultation on Fiscal Years (FYs) 2020 and 2021 Report to Congress on the Administration of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Tribal Self-Governance Program

Dear Tribal Leader Letter

Draft Combined FYs 2020 and 2021 Report to Congress

Comments Due: Please send written comments to consultation@ihs.gov, subject line, “Tribal Self-Governance Report to Congress – FYs 2020 and 2021”, by December 23, 2024


SAMHSA Consultation on Tribal Consultation Policy

Comments Due: Please send comments to otap@samhsa.hhs.gov by 5:00 PM ET on January 6, 2025


U.S. Census Bureau Virtual Tribal Consultation on Updating the Race/Ethnicity Code List for the American Community Survey and the 2030 Census

Date: January 15, 2025, 3:00 - 4:30 PM ET

Meeting Link


NIH Consultation on Disposition of Biospecimens Collected from Tribal Populations

Dear Tribal Leader Letter

Consultation Framing Letter

Comments Due: Written testimony (recognized by the use of official Tribal letterhead) by January 20, 2025 to NIHTribalConsultation@nih.gov

Tribal Advisory Committee Meetings

IHS Self-Governance Advisory Committee Meeting

Dates: December 16-17, 2024

Location: Washington, DC 

Meeting Website


Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee (DSTAC) Monthly Call

Date: December 19, 2024, 3:00-4:00 PM ET

Meeting Zoom Link

Meeting Website


National Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup Area Report Webinar

Date: January 22, 2:00-4:00 PM ET & January 23, 2:00-4:00 PM ET

Day One Meeting Website

Day Two Meeting Website


FY 2027 National Tribal Budget Formulation Work Session

Date: February 11-12, 2024

Meeting Website

View NIHB's Full Regulations Tracker

National Sogie Center – Ten Tips on Fostering Safety for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth in Foster Care

Date: December 18, 2024, 1:30 – 3:00 PM ET

Meeting Registration Link

 

CMS HCBS All Tribes Webinar: Medicaid Home and Community Based Services 101

Date: December 18, 2024, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Webinar Registration Link

 

CMS Open Enrollment Webinar Series

  • January 8, 2025 at 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
  • January 29, 2025 at 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET

Meeting Registration Link

IHS FY 2025 Joint Venture Construction Program (JVCP) | Click Here to Learn More

Application Deadline: December 22, 2024

Description: IHS recently announced the opening of a new solicitation for the JVCP. Section 818 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act authorizes the IHS to establish joint venture projects under which Tribes or Tribal organizations would acquire, construct, or renovate a health care facility and lease it to the IHS, at no cost, for a period of 20 years. The facility may be an inpatient or outpatient facility. Phase I applications are due December 22.


IHS Tribal Management Grant Program | Click Here to Learn More

Application deadline: January 13, 2025

Description: IHS is now accepting applications for a competitive grant for federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations that is administered by the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes. The Tribal Management Grant Program is designed to enhance and develop health management infrastructure and assist tribes and tribal organizations in assuming all or part of existing IHS programs, functions, services, and activities through agreements under the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act. It also aims to assist tribes and tribal organizations with existing agreements to further develop and improve their management capability.


Pediatric Pulmonary Centers Program | Click Here to Learn More

Application Deadline: February 18, 2025

Award Amount: Up to $340,000

Description: The purpose of the PPC program is to provide interdisciplinary training to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with chronic respiratory conditions, sleep issues, and other related special health care needs.

 

Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students | Click Here to Learn More

Application Deadline: February 19, 2025

Description: The Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program increases diversity in the health professions and nursing workforce by providing awards to eligible health professions schools for use in awarding scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have financial need, including students who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

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