New bill aims to reform credentialing for Indian Health Services

Washington, D.C. – Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bill to reform Tribal Healthcare credentialing into a centralized system for all Indian Health Service units.

The “Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act” would amend the “Indian Care Improvement Act” by creating a standardized credentialing process for health professionals providing health care within the Indian Health Services.

Newhouse said, “Due to a lack of a standardized credentialing system for tribal healthcare professionals, our Native American population is struggling to receive appropriate care. The current system has led to a backlog in onboarding new providers, which has caused those interested in working for IHS to pursue opportunities elsewhere.”

Newhouse also mentions that there have been providers with histories of malpractice claims that have been able to enter Indian Health Services because there is no centralized system currently in place. He said, “By creating a centralized system, we can establish a standard for tribes and ensure that providers at IHS facilities are vetted in an efficient and proper manner.”

Jarred-Michael Erickson, Chairman of the Colville Business Council, sent a letter stating that the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation support the bill. He states, “The CCT would benefit from this provision being enacted as law and supports its introduction and enactment into law.”

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