HHS and DOI developed the regulations to implement Public Law (P.L.) 103-413, the Indian Self-Determination Act Amendments of 1994. P.L. 103-413 amended the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638), which gave tribes the authority to contract for the direct operation of programs serving their tribal members. Title I of P.L. 103-413 significantly amends P.L. 93-638. The overall purpose of Title I is to specify the terms of self-determination contracts entered into between the United States and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, and to limit the promulgation of regulations under P.L. 93-638.
"I commend the ability of the rulemaking committee to cooperate and develop a proposal that addresses the interests of the tribes and the federal agencies," Department of the Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt said. "This negotiated rulemaking process is a model for developing successful ederal and tribal partnerships in other endeavors. The consensus process allowed for true bilateral negotiations between the federal government and the tribes in the best spirit of the government-to-government relationship."
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in the Federal Register Jan. 24, with a 60-day comment period. After public comments are reviewed and incorporated in the regulations, the final rule will be issued. The act requires, by statute, that a final rule be published by April 25, 1996. Written comments on the proposed regulations may be submitted to Ms. Betty Penn, Indian Health Service, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Legislation, 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 450, Rockville, Md. 20857, 301/443-1116. For further information on the regulations, contact Ms. Merry Elrod, IHS, Office of Tribal Activities, 301/443-1044, or Mr. James Thomas, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Self-Determination Services, 202/208-3708.
The Indian Health Service is an agency of the Public Health Service within HHS. The IHS is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The provision of these services to members of federally recognized tribes is based on a special relationship between Indian tribes and the U.S. Government first set forth in the 1830's by the U.S. Supreme Court. This relationship has been reconfirmed by numerous treaties, laws, constitutional provisions, court decisions and Executive Orders. The IHS also acts as the principal federal health advocate for Indian people. Its goal is to ensure comprehensive health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives and to raise their health status to the highest possible level. The IHS currently provides health services to approximately 1.4 million American Indians and Alaska Natives who are members of more than 545 federally recognized tribes in 34 states.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, created in the War Department in 1824, was transferred to Department of the Interior in 1849. The BIA is the principal agency responsible for the administration of federal programs for Indian tribes. The mission of the BIA is to enhance the quality of life, promote economic opportunity, and carry out the federal responsibility to protect and improve the trust assets of Indian tribes and Alaska Natives. There are more than two million Indian people who receive services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
This file was last modified: Tuesday - February 16, 1999 - 12:48:46 pm