Indian Health Service

1840 Words4 Pages

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a healthcare program within the Department of Health and Human Services. (Agency Overview n.d.) It provides federal health services to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives at IHS facilities. (Agency Overview n.d.) Services that IHS provide include medical, dental and vision, ancillary services, such as laboratory and pharmacy, specialty care which include services provided by the physician or specialist. (Agency Overview n.d.) The factors that affect the type of health care depend on the community needs, level of funds and whether treatment is medically necessary (Marx n.d.) American Indians and Alaska Natives can receive direct care at hospitals, health centers and they may be federally or tribally operated. (Marx n.d.) If a direct care facility is unable to provided services the individual will be referred to a public or private provider. (Marx n.d.) IHS is located on or near Indian reservations and services are provided by Indian Tribes, Urban Indian organizations or IHS. IHS is responsible for providing medical and public health services to members of federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaska natives.(Agency Overview) In order for a tribe to be recognized it needs to meet specific criteria from that state which also includes land and rights that are accepted as well (Agency Overview). IHS has a mission to educate the Indian people about physical, mental, social and spiritual health (Agency Overview). American Indian and Alaska Natives preside over their members and lands (Definition of Indian Health Service Definition 2012). The United States continue to work with Indian Tribes on a one on one basis focusing on issues about tribal government and other rights (Definit... ... middle of paper ... ... 24 November 13]. National Indian Health Board (2009). THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDIAN HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT. [ONLINE] Available at: www.nihb.org/docs/11182009/IHCIA%20Fact%20Sheet_Senate. [Last Accessed 25 November 13]. Office of Tribal Self-Governance (OTSG) (n.d.). [ONLINE] Available at: www.ihs.gov/SelfGovernance/index.cfm?module=dsp_otsg_about . [Last Accessed 20 November 13]. Ojibwa (2010). Indian Self-Determination Threatened. [ONLINE] Available at: www.nativeamericannetroots.net/diary/782. [Last Accessed 23 November 13]. The Synder Act (n.d.). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.ihs.gov/chs/documents/SNYDER_ACT.pdf. [Last Accessed 27 November 13]. Trujillo, Michael H., M.D., M.P.H., M.S. (2000). Testimony on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/t000308c.html. [Last Accessed 23 November 13].

Open Document