HHS Establishes Tribal Advisory Committee, Representatives Sought

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced last week the establishment of a new Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee (STAC), according to a press release issued by HHS on Oct. 7.

The release stated that STAC signals a new level of attention to government-to-government relationship between HHS and tribal governments. Its primary purpose: to seek consensus, exchange views, share information, provide advice and recommendations or facilitate any other interaction related to intergovernmental responsibilities or administration of HHS programs, including those that arise explicitly or implicitly under statute, regulation or executive order. The first STAC meeting is scheduled for Dec. 2010.

HHS is currently seeking nominations for one primary representative from each of the 12 areas of the Indian Health Service as well as five at-large national representatives. All representatives must either be elected or appointed tribal officials, acting in their official capacity as the elected officials of their tribe or be designated by an elected tribal official with authority to act on behalf of the tribal official.

Nominations should be submitted no later than Oct. 29, 2010, to:

Paul Dioguardi, Director

Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

US Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Ave SW Room 630-F

Washington, DC 20201

Fax: (202) 205-2727

Email: HHSIGA@hhs.gov

Torres-Martinez Can Use Federal Funds to Pay Penalty

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families has decided to allow the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians to use federal funds to pay a $1.5 million penalty imposed upon the tribe in 2007 for the misuse of federal dollars its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program received in 2002 and 2003, as reported by the Desert Sun yesterday.

Though some are decrying the decision, the tribe is applauding it. “With one less challenge on our list, we can take positive strides towards perfecting the services in all areas relating to the education, employment, health and safety of the members of the reservation,” Torres-Martinez Tribal Chairwoman Mary Resvaloso told the paper.