Rep. Noem’s IHS reform bill receives Ways and Means Committee approval

With recruitment of quality medical staff being one of the top challenges within Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities in South Dakota, the House Ways and Means Committee has unanimously approved provisions introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem to offer tax-free student loan repayment for IHS medical staff. The provisions are part of Noem’s HEALTTH Act, which aims to fundamentally reform the IHS. Because of the comprehensive nature of Noem’s HEALTTH Act, the legislation must next receive approval from the House Natural Resources and Energy & Commerce committees.

“The kind of care being delivered by the IHS puts lives in jeopardy,” Noem said. “One of the many hurdles we face is the recruitment of competent medical staff. The HEALTTH Act provision approved today offers a new, more competitive, incentive to help recruit the kind of workforce needed to improve the quality of care. I thank Chairman (Rep. Kevin) Brady and the committee for making this step forward.”

“A health care system is only as good as the staff that supports it,” said Brady. “I appreciate Rep. Noem’s effort to recruit more clinicians to deliver care in tribal communities, and thank her for bringing a targeted solution to the Ways and Means Committee that will help enhance efficiency, staff recruitment resources, and accountability for the communities IHS serves.”