# Understanding the Tribal Healthcare Careers Act

This bill sets aside federal money specifically to help Native Americans train for healthcare jobs. Right now, there's a federal program that gives grants to organizations teaching people how to become doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. This bill takes that existing program and guarantees that a portion of the money goes to tribal communities instead of potentially going elsewhere.

Here's what the bill actually does: It requires that 15 percent of all the grant money available each year must be reserved for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges and universities. Additionally, the bill guarantees that at least 10 grants will go to these tribal entities every year, as long as they submit applications that meet the program's standards. This is important because it means tribal communities won't have to compete with everyone else for funding—they have a dedicated pool of money set aside just for them.

The practical impact is that Native American communities will have better access to training programs for healthcare careers. Tribal colleges and organizations can now more reliably plan healthcare training programs knowing that federal funding is reserved for them. This could help address a real problem on many reservations and in tribal areas: a shortage of healthcare workers. By making it easier for Native Americans to get training in healthcare fields, the bill aims to improve healthcare access in tribal communities and create more job opportunities for Native Americans in the medical field. The changes take effect on October 1, 2023.

Tribal Healthcare Careers Act

Gomez, Jimmy

Tribal Healthcare Careers Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve a portion of Health Profession Opportunity Grants for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges and universities. HHS must award at least 10 grants to tribal applicants.