A bill to modernize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act was debated on the U.S. Senate floor today. The law has not been updated in nearly 16 years — despite several attempts. Prior revisions faltered due to disputes over Native health policies and the failure of Congressional leaders to make reauthorization a priority. Disagreements continue over how to modify Native health policies. But Senate Indian Affairs chairman Byron Dorgan (D-ND) says it’s past time to move forward and carry out the nation’s trust responsibility for Native health care.
Joel Southern, APRN – Washington, DC
