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, DirectorOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsUS Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Ave SWRoom 630-FWashington,DC20201Fax: (202) 205-2727Email: HHSIGA@hhs.govread more