Indian Health Service Hospitals: More Monitoring Needed to Ensure Quality Care

We conducted this study and its companion, Indian Health Service Hospitals: Longstanding Challenges Warrant Focused Attention to Support Quality Care (OEI 06 14 00011), 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 certified by Medicare) 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. Upcoming OIG work includes an IHS management review and a medical review focusing on patient safety in IHS hospitals.