Part 3, Chapter 7: Manual Appendix H
Administrative Services Department (Support Services Department):
The department responsible for administrative support operations within the service unit, e.g., procurement, stores stock, forms and supplies, equipment, communications, utilities, lease agreements, contract administration, and transportation.
Area Pharmacy Officer (APO), (Chief, Area Pharmacy Branch):
The program consultant on all matters relating to the delivery of pharmaceutical care within the IHS Area Program [see Section 3-7.2A(2)].
Billet:
A brief description of the major duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular job or position. These duties and responsibilities are documented in a "billet description."
Chief, Pharmacy Services, Indian Health Service:
The coordinator and advisor for all matters relating to the delivery of pharmaceutical care throughout IHS [see Section 3-7.2A(1)].
Civil Service:
The civilian employment system of the Federal Government.
Commissioned Corps:
The career uniformed service of the US Public Health Service.
Contract Provider:
Any vendor (e.g., physician or pharmacy) that has a contractual agreement to provide services at a reduced rate to the U.S. government.
Health Care Financial Administration (HCFA):
An agency of the Department of Health and Human Services managing health programs such as the Medicare Program, Medicaid Programs, Peer Review Organization, and other health care quality improvement activities.
Medical Service Representative:
A sales representative of a medical supply or pharmaceutical company.
Non-Contract Practitioner:
A vendor that provide6 services to American Indian/Alaska Native patients on a non-referral basis.
Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
The central personnel agency of the Federal Government.
P.L. 93-638:
The 1975 Indian Self-Determination Act through which tribes may elect to manage their own health care system(s) and which provides funding for the improvement of tribal capacity to contract their own health care program(s).
Preston Case:
A decision made by the U.S. Court of Appeals, June 7, 1984, which affects hiring practices for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in IHS. The agency is required to establish qualifications standards for AI/AN who apply for jobs in the excepted service of IHS. Positions in IHS are considered excepted service when filled under 5 CFR 213.3116(b)(8) by AI/AN entitled to Indian preference.
Professional Advisory Committee (PAC):
A committee which advises the Surgeon General on matters of importance to the pharmacy profession and to the PHS.
Service Unit:
The local administrative unit through which the delivery of health services is managed in IHS; the basic health organization for a geographic area served by the IHS program.
Service Unit Director (SUD):
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the service unit who is responsible for the overall operation of health care within the service unit.
Supply Service Center (SSC):
The facility which provides supplies to all direct health operations within the Area(s) served, including tribal operated programs.
Tribal Council:
A recognized governing body of an Indian tribe.
Urban Indian Facilities:
Indian operated urban projects authorized by the 1976 Indian Health Care Improvement Act (P.L. 94-437) which are designed to improve health care access for AI/AN residing in urban areas.
