Indian Health Service (IHS) Director's Corner Blog http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog IHS Director's updates on important issues affecting the Indian Health Service. en-us Contract Health Service Workgroup Recommendations http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#051613_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#051613_2 Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30 GMT I recently sent a letter [PDF - 49KB] with enclosure [PDF - 34KB] to Tribes providing an update on the ongoing tribal consultation to improve the Indian Health Service Contract Health Services (CHS) program, which is the funding we use to pay for referrals and services in the private sector. I shared the third set of recommendations from the Director's Workgroup on Improving CHS. One of the outcomes of the workgroup was a recommendation to keep the CHS distribution formula for new funding increases the same, and to protect base CHS funding. Comments on the recommendations are welcomed.

]]> MSPI/DVPI FY 2013 Funding Distribution Consultation http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#051613_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#051613_1 Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30 GMT I recently sent a letter [PDF - 57KB] to Tribes requesting input on the fiscal year (FY) 2013 funding distribution for the Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI). The FY 2013 funding is for program activities starting September 1, 2013, for MSPI and August 1, 2013, for DVPI. The National Tribal Advisory Committee on Behavioral Health recommends continuing the same distribution for both initiatives for FY 2013 funding, and then consulting on the distribution of funding for FY 2014 and beyond. Comments are due June 5, 2013.

]]> FY 2014 President's Budget Update http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#041813_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#041813_1 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:30 GMT Here is a press release [PDF - 63K] on the Presidents FY 2014 Budget Proposal, which includes a proposed $124 million increase for the Indian Health Service.

HHS FY 2014 Budget Rollout

]]> IHS/Tribal/Urban Indian Health Program Qualified Health Plan Addendum Released http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#041513_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#041513_1 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:00 GMT Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services released a letter to potential issuers in state marketplaces that included information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) regarding the Model Qualified Health Plan Addendum. This Addendum enables issuers to contract more efficiently with Indian health care providers to ensure that American Indians and Alaska Natives can continue to be served by their Indian provider of choice. It is anticipated that the Addendum will help issuers meet the Qualified Health Plan certification standards and facilitate acceptance of network contracts by IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health program providers. CMS strongly encourages issuers and providers to use this Addendum, but use is optional. The Addendum was recommended by Tribes and co-developed with CMS and IHS through tribal consultation and the engagement of issuers. You can access the Addendum on the Qualified Health Plan website. A list of the Indian health providers will be posted in the near future.

]]> Update on Insurance Marketplace Essential Community Provider Requirements http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#041213_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#041213_1 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:30 GMT This week, I sent a communication through our Area Directors to all IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health (I/T/U) facilities alerting them to the Essential Community Provider (ECP) requirements for qualified health plans (QHPs) that will be offered on the Marketplaces in 2014. One of the purposes of the requirements is to help ensure there are enough ECPs in their networks to provide access for low-income and medically underserved individuals.

QHPs are finalizing their networks in the next few months and may be approaching I/T/U facilities with offers to join their provider networks. Whether or not they are currently engaged with private insurers, I/T/U facilities should be attentive to these discussions. Many patients will be eligible to purchase health insurance from these QHPs, and these plans will begin coverage on January 1, 2014. It could be beneficial for these individuals to choose QHPs with networks that allow them the choice of maintaining continuity of care with their current practitioners, including I/T/U facilities.

The communication IHS sent to I/T/U facilities has a link to a listing the Department of Health and Human Services posted on March 26, 2013, of providers that meet the ECP statutory definition. This list is not exhaustive. For example, it does not include Federal IHS facilities that might otherwise qualify as ECPs under the regulatory standard. If a tribal or urban Indian health program is not on the list, they should let issuers in their area know that they are an ECP so that they have the opportunity to include the facility in their network. Here is a link to the letter sent to I/T/U facilities [PDF - 42KB].

The health care law offers new opportunities for you to better serve those who come to us for care, and we encourage you to learn more about the law and your options.

]]> California 1115(a) Demonstration Announcement http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040513_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040513_1 Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:30 GMT The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a decision on the California 1115(a) Demonstration to Tribes today. Here is the email to Tribes [Word - 30KB] and the letter sent to the State of California [PDF - 99KB] approving the demonstration that allows uncompensated care payments to IHS and tribal health facilities in California.

]]> House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040313_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040313_1 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00 GMT I testified at a hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies in March. During that hearing, IHS was able to discuss the recent increases in funding and how they have enabled IHS to make significant improvements and reforms, as well as improvements in measurable outcomes. Here is a copy of my written testimony[PDF - 112K].

]]> HHS<i>innovates</i> Award Ceremony http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040213_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040213_1 tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00 GMT I attended the HHSinnovates Award Ceremony where Secretary Sebelius announced her picks for winning innovations submitted in the recent HHSinnovates competition. Congratulations to the IHS California Area for the selection of their online "Portal System: Linking Health Care Clinics" project as one of the top six innovations/finalists! The team from the California Area got to meet Secretary Sebelius and pose for a picture with her, and receive their award from Deputy Secretary Bill Corr. Here are pictures from the ceremony:

HHSinnovates Award Ceremony, 2013 HHSinnovates Award Ceremony, 2013

]]> Tribal Delegation Meetings - March http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040113_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#040113_1 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:00 GMT IHS held Tribal Delegation Meetings with the following Tribes in March: Pit River Tribe; Hopi Tribe; and Colorado River Tribe. Here are pictures from the meetings:

Pit River Tribe Hopi Tribe Colorado River Tribe

]]> Tribal Delegation Meetings - HHS Annual Tribal Consultation http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032913_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032913_1 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00 GMT IHS held Tribal Delegation Meetings with several Tribes during the 1:1 sessions with Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions during the HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation Meeting. Here are pictures from the meetings:

Nez Perce Tribe Nez Perce Tribe Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma Tohono O'odham Nation Tohono O'odham Nation Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe Rosebud Sioux Tribe Rosebud Sioux Tribe Pueblo of Tesuque Pueblo of Tesuque Ak-Chin Indian Community Ak-Chin Indian Community Redding Rancheria Redding Rancheria San Carlos Apache Tribe San Carlos Apache Tribe

]]> CSC Update http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032813_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032813_2 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:00 GMT Today I am sending an update to Tribes on our progress on handling past claims for Contract Support Costs. Here is a copy of the letter [PDF - 26K].

]]> Department of Health and Human Services 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032813_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032813_1 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:00 GMT I attended the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting in March in Washington, D.C. The meeting began with 1:1 meetings of Tribes with several HHS Operating Divisions, and then a Tribal Resource Day was held. The main consultation session included updates on the budget, the Affordable Care Act, Human Services, a presentation by the IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup on the FY 2015 budget recommendations, and a session with Secretary Sebelius and the Secretary's Budget Council. Here are pictures from the meeting:

HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C. HHS 15th Annual Tribal Consultation and Policy Meeting, March 2013, Washington, D.C.

]]> National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032713_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032713_1 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT I attended the National Congress of American Indians Executive Council Winter Session held in March in Washington, D.C. Secretary Sebelius spoke in the plenary session on March 5, and I spoke in the plenary session on March 6 and provided an update on IHS. Here are pictures from the meeting:

NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, March 2013 NCAI Executive Council Winter Session, March 2013

]]> National Indian Health Board of Directors Meeting http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032513_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#032513_1 Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00 GMT I met with the National Indian Health Board of Directors in March in Washington, D.C. We discussed progress on agency priorities, updates on the budget and the impact of sequestration, and our collaborative efforts. Here are pictures from the meeting:

National Indian Health Board of Directors Meeting, March 2013 National Indian Health Board of Directors Meeting, March 2013 National Indian Health Board of Directors Meeting, March 2013

]]> Albuquerque Area Tribal Consultation http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031413_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031413_2 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:00 GMT I met with the Albuquerque Area Tribes by phone during their recent consultation session with the IHS Albuquerque Area Office. I provided an update and answered questions. Here are pictures from the meeting:

Albuquerque Area Tribal Consultation Albuquerque Area Tribal Consultation Albuquerque Area Tribal Consultation

]]> IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031413_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031413_1 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:00 GMT The IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee met at the Phoenix Area Office for their quarterly meeting in February and also toured the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, which is a site directly managed by the IHS. I joined the committee by phone, provided an IHS update, and answered questions. Here are pictures from the meeting:

IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013 IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013 IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013 IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013 IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013 IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013 IHS Direct Service Tribes Advisory Committee meeting, February 2013

]]> IHS Contract Health Services Workgroup Meeting http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031313_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031313_2 Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:30 GMT The IHS Contract Health Services (CHS) Workgroup met in Denver in February. Their primary task was to review input from all 12 IHS Areas and to develop recommendations on whether the formula for new CHS funding should change or remain the same (CHS funding pays for purchased and referred care not provided in IHS and tribal facilities). CHS funding has increased by 46% in the past 4 years, and in some facilities, referrals now are funded beyond life or limb emergencies. The workgroup reviewed data on how the formula was applied to these recent funding increases, and developed consensus recommendations. Once I receive the recommendations from the workgroup, I will send them out for consultation with all Tribes before I make a final decision. Here are pictures from the meeting:

IHS CHS Workgroup Meeting in Denver, February 2013 IHS CHS Workgroup Meeting in Denver, February 2013 IHS CHS Workgroup Meeting in Denver, February 2013 IHS CHS Workgroup Meeting in Denver, February 2013 IHS CHS Workgroup Meeting in Denver, February 2013 IHS CHS Workgroup Meeting in Denver, February 2013

]]> IHS Tribal Budget Formulation National Work Session http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031313_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031313_1 Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:30 GMT I met with the IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup at their National Work Session in February where they reviewed input on the FY2015 IHS Budget from all 12 IHS Areas and developed national recommendations. Their co-chairs will present their recommendations at the HHS Annual Tribal Budget Consultation session in March. Here are pictures from the session:

IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup's National Work Session, February 2013 IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup's National Work Session, February 2013 IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup's National Work Session, February 2013 IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup's National Work Session, February 2013 IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup's National Work Session, February 2013 IHS Tribal Budget Formulation Workgroup's National Work Session, February 2013

]]> MAST Impact Week http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031213_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031213_2 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00 GMT I presented an IHS update at the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting in February in Washington, D.C. I congratulated the Bemidji Area Tribes for forming their first official Area Tribal Health Board. Here are pictures from the meeting:

Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013 Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week Meeting, February 2013

]]> USET Impact Week http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031213_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031213_1 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:00 GMT I attended events during the USET Impact Week in February, including a session on the VA-IHS MOU at the USET Board of Directors Meeting, a session on the Affordable Care Act, and an IHS Update at the HHS Regional Consultation Session. I also announced the availability of the first IHS new Tribes funding for the Shinnecock Indian Nation. Here are pictures from the events:

USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013 USET Impact Week, February 2013

]]> California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031113_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031113_2 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:30 GMT On February 4, I traveled to California to join Cindy Mann, J.D., CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services, for a meeting with California Tribes to discuss a proposed waiver that the State of California is considering for a demonstration project to provide uncompensated care payments to IHS and tribal facilities. I also announced the availability of the first IHS funding for two new Tribes: the Wilton Rancheria and the Tejon Indian Tribe. Here are pictures from the meeting and information on the State's proposed amendment [PDF - 196KB]:

California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid California Meeting with CMS on Medicaid

]]> Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellows http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031113_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#031113_1 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:30 GMT I met with fellows from the Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Minority Health Policy and answered questions about IHS. They were visiting Washington, D.C., as a part of their fellowship at Harvard Medical School and are mid-career physicians in the middle of their coursework for either a master of public health degree at Harvard School of Public Health or a master of public administration degree at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Anne Newland, M.D., to my left in the picture, most recently served as Acting Clinical Director for the Kayenta Health Center, Navajo Area Indian Health Service. Here's a picture from our meeting:

Dr. Roubideaux with Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellows

]]> Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Winter Session http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030813_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030813_2 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT I met with students and provided an IHS update at the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health's Winter Session course in January. Here are pictures with the students:

Dr. Roubideaux meets with students attending the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health's Winter session. Dr. Roubideaux meets with students attending the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health's Winter session. Dr. Roubideaux meets with students attending the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health's Winter session.

]]> Tribal Delegation Meetings: January and February 2013 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030813_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030813_1 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT IHS met with several Tribes in delegation meetings at IHS Headquarters in the past two months. They included the Maniilaq Association, AK; Hopi Tribe, AZ; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, OR; Zuni Tribe, NM; Smith River Rancheria, CA; and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, AK. Tribes can schedule tribal delegation meetings (TDMs) in person or by phone through the Office of Self-Governance or the Office of Direct Service and Contracting Tribes. Here are pictures from recent TDMs:

Maniilaq Association, AK Hopi Tribe, AZ Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, OR Zuni Tribe, NM Smith River Rancheria, CA Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, AK

]]> Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030713_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030713_2 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT I attended the Oklahoma Area Tribal Consultation Session by videoconference in January, during which I provided an IHS update and answered questions. Here are pictures from the event:

Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session, January 2013 Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session, January 2013 Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session, January 2013 Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session, January 2013 Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session, January 2013 Oklahoma Area Tribal Listening Session, January 2013

]]> Information Systems Advisory Committee http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030713_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030713_1 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT The IHS Information Systems Advisory Committee met in January to continue work on implementation of their OIT Tribal Shares Improvement Plan. Here are pictures from the meeting:

Information Systems Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013 Information Systems Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013

]]> Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030613_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030613_2 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT I met with the IHS Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee in January. We discussed current issues, including the IHS budget, Contract Support Costs, emergency services, and the Affordable Care Act implementation. Here are pictures from the meeting:

Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013 Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013 Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013 Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013 Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee meeting, January 2013

]]> HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030613_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030613_1 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC) met in January and discussed current issues and progress on their priorities with HHS leadership. Here are pictures from the STAC meeting:

HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013 HHS Secretary's Tribal Advisory Committee Meeting, January 2013

]]> Update on Tribal Consultations http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030513_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030513_2 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT I sent updates to Tribes in January on two consultations: Contract Health Services Prevention Services and Recommendations from the Information Systems Advisory Committee. Here is the link to our Tribal Consultation page.

]]> Presidential Inauguration http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030513_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030513_1 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:00 GMT I attended the Swearing-In Ceremony during the Presidential Inauguration in January. While it was quite cold that day, I felt renewed energy and commitment to our efforts to change and improve the IHS. Here are some pictures I took during the event (I needed the zoom lens from where I was sitting!), as well as a copy of an email [PDF - 53K] I sent to IHS staff after the Inauguration:

Dr. Roubideaux at the Presidential Inauguration President Barack Obama at the Swearing-In Ceremony, photo by Dr. Roubideaux

]]> IHS Listening Session http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030413_2 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030413_2 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:30 GMT I held a listening session in January that focused on the draft Urban Confer Policy. This draft policy was previously sent to all Tribes in July 2012 for consultation and was also posted in the Federal Register for comment. An additional opportunity for input was offered during the listening session held during the events around the Presidential Inauguration. The draft policy is being revised based on all the input received and will be completed soon. Here are pictures from the listening session:

IHS Listening Session on the Draft Urban Confer Policy IHS Listening Session on the Draft Urban Confer Policy IHS Listening Session on the Draft Urban Confer Policy

]]> Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030413_1 http://www.ihs.gov/PublicAffairs/DirCorner/index.cfm?module=blog#030413_1 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:30 GMT I met with the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee in December and reviewed their new strategic plan to continue to advise the IHS on diabetes related activities and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Here are pictures from the meeting:

Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee meeting Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee meeting Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee meeting

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