Indian Health Service Hospitals: Longstanding Challenges Warrant Focused Attention to Support Quality Care

We conducted this study and its companion, Indian Health Service Hospitals: More Monitoring Needed to Ensure Quality Care (OEI-06-14-00010), in response to concerns about the care provided in IHS hospitals. Reports of inadequate health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have concerned the Federal Government for almost a century. IHS is responsible for providing health services to the 567 federally recognized tribes of AI/ANs. As part of its service, IHS directly operates 28 acute-care hospitals. IHS requires its hospitals to be accredited by a nationally recognized organization (or Medicare-certified) and to comply with the Medicare Hospital Conditions of Participation (CoPs). OIG is committed to continued work to improve patient care provided in IHS hospitals.