February 14, 2024: IHS Updates for Tribes and Tribal and Urban Indian Organizations
This bi-weekly update provides up to date information on recent events, meetings, conferences, upcoming deadlines, and recognition of the work being done across the Indian Health Service, other federal agencies, and Indian Country. For more information or questions, email IHSPublicAffairsStaff@ihs.gov.
IHS and VA Affirm Commitment to Native Veterans Care and Launch Informative Video
In recent months, Director Roselyn Tso and IHS staff have worked with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough to affirm the agencies’ combined partnership and commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. As a result, the agencies’ reimbursement agreement was updated in late 2023, which facilitates repayment for health care and related services provided by the IHS to eligible Native veterans. Further expressing their dedication to improve access to housing and other services for veterans experiencing—or at risk of experiencing—houselessness, the agencies released a joint video to announce the “Find Health Care and Resources for Native Veterans” interactive map site that provides a one-stop-shop connecting visitors to an array of services available to Native veterans.
All Native veterans should know about the full range of homelessness assistance programs and other services available to them. Our veterans have served us honorably – now it’s our turn to ensure they are well taken care of. Please help spread the word by sharing this video widely: https://bit.ly/3uqHZ6m
Leadership Updates
The Indian Health Service is undergoing significant leadership transitions integral to our mission's continued success and growth. The agency announced several key appointments and organizational changes recently:
- Daniel Frye, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, has been appointed as the acting director for the Office of Human Resources, effective immediately. Frye will lead all aspects of agency HR functions, emphasizing strategic guidance and policy development to enhance the IHS mission.
- Asha Petoskey, an enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, steps into the role of acting director for the Bemidji Area IHS, effective immediately. Petoskey will oversee comprehensive health care services across five states, ensuring quality care for 34 federally recognized tribes and urban Indian health programs.
- Dr. Rose Weahkee, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will serve as the chief performance officer in the IHS Office of the Director starting on February 12. Dr. Weahkee, previous director of the IHS Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, will advise on strategy development, performance management, and ensure the agency’s alignment with departmental priorities.
- Rick Mueller, an enrolled member of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indians Tribes of Alaska, will assume the role of acting director for the Office of Urban Indian Health Programs, providing leadership to 41 urban Indian organizations, starting on February 12.
- Mitchell Thornbrugh, an enrolled member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, has been elevated into the Office of the Director as the chief information officer as a member of senior staff, leading the IHS in all aspects of information resource management and technology. He will also continue to serve as the director of the Office of Information Technology, effective February 12.
- Dr. Christopher Poole, an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, will be the acting director in the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes, starting February 12. Dr. Poole will oversee tribal health activities, acting as the principal liaison to federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations.
The IHS also bid farewell to OHR Director Lisa Gyorda, who departs for a new opportunity at the Internal Revenue Service after 11 years with the IHS, and ODSCT Director Terri Schmidt, who retires after 34 years of exemplary service to the IHS. Please join us in welcoming our leaders to their new roles and in expressing our deepest gratitude to Ms. Gyorda and Ms. Schmidt for their dedicated service.
Director Tso Visits California Area
Last week, Director Roselyn Tso visited the IHS California Area to engage in meaningful discussions with urban Indian health leaders. Their conversations centered on our mutual commitment to ensuring all facilities are effectively meeting the needs of the communities they serve. The director expressed a heartfelt thank you to the teams at the Friendship House Association of American Indians in San Francisco and the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley in San Jose, saying their unwavering dedication to providing top-notch health care and cultural services is truly commendable. The Friendship House in San Francisco, established in 1963, offers a comprehensive range of services from substance abuse recovery to cultural preservation. Meanwhile, the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley deliver a broad spectrum of health services with a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity. Ms. Tso also extends her gratitude to the IHS California Area office and Area Director Beverly Miller, saying her leadership and commitment to the tribes and urban Indian organizations in California embody the spirit of service and collaboration. “Together, we're not just addressing health care needs; we're building stronger, healthier communities,” she said.
Director Tso Visits the Stanford University School of Medicine
On February 7, Director Roselyn Tso spoke with students and faculty at Stanford University’s Healthcare Leadership Course. It was an opportunity for her to share the agency’s efforts to foster a holistic approach towards healthcare. It was also an opportunity to share the commitment of the agency to develop the next generation of healthcare leaders through the IHS Extern Program and the IHS Scholarship Program, which provides the cultural competency necessary to help care for Indian Country. Ms. Tso thanks Dr. Milina Boukhman Trounce and Jessica Balbin for the invitation to join their class for the day.
Food is Medicine Summit Highlights HHS Efforts
On January 31, I Director Roselyn Tso attended the HHS Food is Medicine Summit and heard from noted chef Sean Sherman, author of the James Beard Award-winning cookbook The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen. She also had the honor of participating in a panel on “HHS Collaboration and Investments in Food is Medicine,” led by HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Adm. Rachel Levine, M.D.. During this session, the director shared the IHS’s commitment to innovative strategies in advancing health through nutrition and highlighted the inspiring encounters she has had with the remarkable youth from across Indian Country. Native youth have embraced the traditional linkage between health and the consumption of fresh, traditional foods, actively championing the increasingly popular concept of food sovereignty within their communities. Ms. Tso said that sharing their stories is important to me because, in many respects, it is our youth who are at the forefront of these grassroots movements. They are compelling us to elevate our efforts and collaborate with them in forging a healthier future for our Native people.
(Photo 1) Panel discussion at the Food is Medicine Summit
(Photo 2) With “The Sioux Chef” Sean Sherman, who spoke at the event
Meeting with Selected Partners to Advance IHS Health Technology Modernization
Recently, Director Roselyn Tso participated in the Oracle Health Electronic Health Record Executive Showcase in Kansas City, Missouri. During the event, she engaged with key partners in the IHS Health Information Technology Modernization Program from General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. and Oracle Health. This endeavor to modernize the agency’s EHR transcends mere technological advancement – it represents a commitment to health equity and ensuring that the Indian Health Service has the capacity to deliver a level of health care excellence to the American Indian and Alaska Native population that is rightly deserved. Ultimately, at the heart of all our efforts across the IHS, is a steadfast dedication to consistently provide the highest quality of services to the communities that rely on the IHS for their health care needs.
Meeting with executives from GDIT and Oracle Health
Purchased/Referred Care Program Continues to See Improvements
In 2023, the IHS embarked upon agency-wide improvements in Purchased/Referred Care, focusing on improving the financial process, reducing PRC carry-over funds, and improving the timeliness of PRC Delivery Area expansion requests. These efforts were successful in providing PRC education on the financial process, reducing the agency carry-over by 16 percent, and streamlining the process for approving PRCDA expansion requests. The IHS will build upon this success moving in 2024 with focused efforts to continue reducing our carry-over funds and promoting system-wide improvement efforts within the PRC authorization and payment process. Specific actions already completed and released include:
- Implementation of the new PRC Medical Priority System, effective January 1
- Development and release of PRC Metrics and Reporting Guide, designed to assist facilities in monitoring key PRC parameters
- Development and implementation of a strategic spend plan for PRC activities
Additional activities that are under development include, but are not limited to:
- Guidance to facilitate expedited review of the medical referral review process
- Improvement efforts to facilitate timelier payments and reducing pending claims at the Fiscal Intermediary
- Provide standardized position descriptions and updated staffing formula guidance
- Updated Indian Health Manual policy and procedural instructions
- Referral processing metrics to allow each facility to monitor the life cycle of referrals
- Facilitating communication across all levels of IHS and our tribal stakeholders
Look for more PRC updates in future editions of the Week in Review.
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Holds Legislative Hearing on Two IHS Related Bills
On February 8, the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a legislative hearing on several pieces of legislation. Two proposals related directly to the Indian Health Service — S. 3022, the IHS Workforce Parity Act of 2023; and S. 2385, the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023.
S. 3022 would amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to allow recipients of the IHS scholarship and loan programs to fulfill their service obligations through half-time clinical practice. The IHS Workforce Parity Act is aligned with the goals of the IHS to recruit and retain providers in the IHS system. S. 2385 aims to expand the role of the Department of Health and Human Services to provide access to reliable, clean, and drinkable water on tribal lands.
Assistant Secretary for Legislation Melanie Egorin testified before the SCIA on behalf of the HHS on the two IHS-related legislative proposals. Egorin also testified on other IHS human resources proposals aimed toward recruitment and retention of providers in the IHS system. These include a tax exemption for the IHS Health Professions Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs; discretionary use of all Title 38 Personnel authorities that are available at the Veterans Health Administration to pay higher salaries and offer more flexible time off to providers; permanent authority to hire and pay experts and consultants; and legislative authority to conduct mission critical emergency hiring needs beyond 30-day appointments.
Meeting with AHRQ to Enhance Partnerships at the Federal Level
Director Roselyn Tso recently met with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. This significant meeting aimed to bolster outreach to HHS agencies and forge strategies for enhancing partnership opportunities. This internal meet and greet is a testament to the commitment of the Indian Health Service to partner with fellow federal entities and to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. Together, through strong partnerships and culturally responsive practices, we envision a future where health equity is not just a goal, but a reality.
Fentanyl Test Strips are now Available from IHS National Supply Service Center
The HHS Overdose Strategy emphasizes that Together We Can Save Lives. The IHS continues to support expanded harm reduction strategies to prevent the risk of unintentional opioid overdose. Fentanyl test strips are a form of drug checking equipment that can be utilized to mitigate harm and save lives. When exposed to substance residue, these strips can detect the presence of fentanyl, alerting a person using substances that additional safety precautions should be considered. Learn more about how to use FTS here.
The IHS National Supply Service Center now stocks FTS to support sites’ efforts to create access to drug checking equipment. If you are interested in ordering and providing this as part of a harm reduction service, submit an IHS-413 form per standard procedures. Please note that paraphernalia laws may be prohibitive of drug checking equipment distribution and possession in some states, so it is important to be aware of the laws in your area and work with tribal partners in planning efforts. Additionally, the IHS HOPE Committee released its January newsletter that focuses on harm reduction strategies, which includes positive approaches to reduce harm that may come from substance use and high-risk behaviors.
For more information, education, sample policies, and program materials, visit the IHS HOPE Drug Checking Equipment Website or email Samantha.Gustafson@ihs.gov.
ISDEAA Negotiators Meet in Albuquerque to Discuss Nationwide Topics
This week, the IHS Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Negotiators convened in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a follow-up to the 2023 ISDEAA All Federal Staff Meeting held last November. One of the agency's top operational priorities included in the Agency Work Plan is expanding ISDEAA training. This in-person meeting provided ISDEAA negotiation team members an opportunity to discuss major issues identified during recent ISDEAA negotiations that have a nationwide impact with an emphasis on Contract Support Costs-related topics. To learn more about ISDEAA Title I contracting activities and contract proposal liaison officers, visit the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes website. To learn more about ISDEAA Title V compacting activities, as well as the OTSG brochure, the IHS TSGP Negotiations Handbook, the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Program, and agency lead negotiators, visit the Office of Tribal Self-Governance website.
Therapeutics Committee Holds Winter 2024 Quarterly Meeting in Phoenix
The IHS National Pharmacy and Therpaeutics Committtee held its Winter 2024 quarterly meeting at the IHS Phoenix Area Office on January 30-31. The NPTC is a standing committee of the IHS that works to promote quality, access, value, and equity in formulary management through maintenance of the IHS National Core Formulary and the provision of clinical expertise related to pharmacotherapy and pharmacovigilance. NPTC membership includes physicians and pharmacists and consists of two officers, 12 voting members representing each of the IHS Areas, and adjunct members from the IHS National Supply Service Center. During the meeting, the NPTC reviewed a range of topics including medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder, naloxone, medical cannabis, low back pain, and migraine treatments. In collaboration with the HOPE Committee, the NPTC also hosted the most recent installment in its Best Practices in Formulary Management series on the topic of Opioid Analgesic Stewardship. More information from the NPTC, including clinical guidance documents and the IHS National Core Formulary, is available here. To receive NPTC correspondence and clinical updates, self-enroll to the NPTC Listserv.
IHS Attends the White House Cervical Cancer Forum
On January 25, the White House convened national leaders to recognize Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, as part of the Biden Cancer Moonshot’s commitment to reduce the impact of preventable cancers. National Cancer Institute Director Dr. Kimryn Rathmell announced a new NCI-supported trial that will test several self-collection devices for human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer. If approved, the self-test has the potential to have significant impact on early detection and cervical cancer prevention in rural communities by allowing broader access to screening. Dr. Patricia Sullivan from the Division of Nursing Services represented IHS at this forum. The recording of the live portion of the forum can be found here.
Information about the HPV self-test trial can be found here.
IHS Scholarship Program Applications Due February 28
The IHS continuously strives to develop our next generation of leaders, as well as help make the pursuit of a meaningful career in Indian health attainable for American Indian and Alaska Native students. To support those efforts, the IHS Scholarship Program is currently accepting applications for the 2024?2025 academic year. The IHS Scholarship Comparison Chart shows a list of eligible degree programs. Eligible students are encouraged to apply by February 28. Please continue to share this widely with your networks, including with parents or students who may be interested in this great opportunity.
Office of Quality and PATH Offer Learning Session for Nursing Leaders – February 28
The IHS Division of Nursing Services and the Partnership to Advance Tribal Health are offering a roundtable learning session for nursing leaders:
- “Leading a Culture of Safety” on February 28 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Here
IHS Offers Roundtable on Fostering a Culture of Safety – February 28
Leaders of all levels are invited to attend this free learning session on the importance of patient and employee safety, based on current evidence and industry guidelines.
- “Leading a Culture of Safety” on Wednesday, February 28 at 2 p.m. ET | Register here.
Session objectives include:
- Summarizing the basic components of a Culture of Safety
- Identifying leaders’ role in demonstrating and reinforcing a Culture of Safety
- Describing additional resources and support for further development in leading a Culture of Safety
- Take-away recommendations for action and resources necessary for fostering a Culture of Safety
1.5 hours of nursing continuing education units will be available for those who attend this 90-minute session. All other disciplines will receive a certificate of completion.
Applications for Tribal Management Grant Program: Due March 14
The Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes is accepting applications for grants under the Tribal Management Grant Program. The 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 and to assist with existing agreements to further develop and improve their management capability. Applications are due by March 14. For more information, please contact Kenneth Coriz.
Loan Repayment Program Begins Award Cycle for Fiscal Year 2024
The IHS Loan Repayment Program has kicked off its 2024 award season. The LRP offers up to $25,000 in student loan repayment for full-time medical professionals working at Indian health facilities, helping dedicated health professionals chart a course for a long-lasting and successful health care career. This is in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Opportunities are based on Indian health program facilities with the greatest staffing needs in specific health profession disciplines. To apply, please visit the Loan Repayment Program website.
Division of Nursing Services Seeking Nominations for the 2024 Nurse Recognition Program
Last month, the Division of Nursing Services announced changes to the DNS Nurse Recognition Program for 2024 from a monthly to a quarterly program, now with two nomination categories. The deadline is quickly approaching for the first quarter nominations, which are due by February 15. Program information is available here and the nomination form can be found here. Please send program inquiries to HQOCPSNurseRecognition@ihs.gov. Recognition positively impacts nursing retention, morale and employee engagement – don’t miss the opportunity to recognize the important contributions of a federal, tribal, or urban Indian organization nurse in a leadership or direct clinical care role by submitting a nomination today!
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