fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
Donate Get Newsletter
Donate Get Newsletter
 

Native News Weekly (January 14, 2024): D.C. Briefs

Tags

Details

WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.

HHS Initiates Tribal Consultation on Draft Tribal and Tribal Epidemiology Center Data Access Policy
 
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) invites tribal leader feedback and recommendations on its draft HHS Tribal and Tribal Epidemiology Center Data Access (TTDA) Policy . The policy outlines the types of data to be made available to Tribes and Tribal Epidemiology Centers (TECs) acting in their capacities as public health authorities. It also serves to establish HHS-wide expectations for Divisions responding to Tribal and TEC data requests covered by the policy, including through the development of Division-specific implementation protocols.
Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 
 
HHS invites Tribal leaders to the following opportunities to provide input and feedback on the draft policy.

Virtual Consultation:
Date: February 6, 2024
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM EST
Call-In: 669-254-5252
Meeting ID: 161-416-1119
ZoomGov Registration:
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsc-iurzorE5MWGjSDXfNG0spDpVXEm9o
 
Indian Health Service (IHS) Announces Calendar Year 2024 Reimbursement Rates and Launch of Associated Webpage: 
Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso issued a recent Dear Tribal Leader Letter in which she announced the publication of CY 2024 reimbursement rates in the Federal Register. The rates apply for inpatient and outpatient medical care provided at IHS facilities for Medicare (excluding inpatient Medicare Part A) and Medicaid beneficiaries, beneficiaries of other federal programs, and for recoveries under the Federal Medical Care Recovery Act. Director Tso also announced the launch of a new IHS website focused on reimbursement rate information, such as calculation and source documents. The new website is available here.

Written Comment Period:
Written comments are requested by March 5, 2024. Please send comments via one of the following methods:
 
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: HHS Tribal Data Policy
Postal Mail: Acting Director Jess Smith
Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
Hubert Humphrey Building
200 Independence Ave. SW
Mail Stop: 620E
Washington, DC 20201
 
CDC and the Alzheimer's Association Solicit Input for Next Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for Indian Country
 
The guide serves as a tool to learn about brain health and foster discussions on serving Tribal elders affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. The current Road Map covered the years 2018-2023 and development of the next guidance document is underway. Tribal leaders and community members are invited to provide input to help shape the public health response to Alzheimer's and dementia in Tribal communities. Comments may be submitted until January 19 using the embedded link in this webpage.
 
Tribal Consultation on World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee Negotiations Set

In October, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Commerce, published a notice in the Federal Register on Formal Tribal Consultation on World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee Negotiations.

In the upcoming consultation, the USPTO will seek tribal input on how to best protect genetic resources, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions as they are being discussed at the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Federal Register notice provides details for online webinars to be held in January 2024. Two of the four webinars will be for federally recognized Tribal Nations and two will be for state-recognized Tribes, tribal members, Native Hawaiians, and inter-tribal organizations. The USPTO also invites related written comments, to be submitted by February 23, 2024.

Webinar Dates: The webinars for federally recognized Tribal Nations and their proxies will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET and Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET. The webinars for state-recognized Tribes and other tribal members, Native Hawaiians and their representatives, and inter-tribal organizations, will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET and Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. ET. Register in advance to participate in one of these webinars at: https://cvent.me/​bZRP3L.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].