25 USC 5395 - Disclaimers

Collapse to view only § 5395. Disclaimers

§ 5381. Definitions
§ 5382. Establishment
§ 5383. Selection of participating Indian tribes
§ 5384. Compacts
§ 5385. Funding agreements
§ 5386. General provisions
§ 5387. Provisions relating to the Secretary
§ 5388. Transfer of funds
§ 5389. Construction projects
§ 5390. Federal procurement laws and regulations
§ 5391. Civil actions
§ 5392. Facilitation
§ 5393. Budget request
§ 5394. Reports
§ 5395. Disclaimers
§ 5396. Application of other sections of this chapter
§ 5397. Regulations
§ 5398. Appeals
§ 5399. Authorization of appropriations

§ 5381. Definitions

(a) In general

In this subchapter:

(1) Construction project

The term “construction project”—

(A) means an organized noncontinuous undertaking to complete a specific set of predetermined objectives for the planning, environmental determination, design, construction, repair, improvement, or expansion of buildings or facilities, as described in a construction project agreement; and

(B) does not include construction program administration and activities described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 5304(m) of this title, that may otherwise be included in a funding agreement under this subchapter.

(2) Construction project agreement

The term “construction project agreement” means a negotiated agreement between the Secretary and an Indian tribe, that at a minimum—

(A) establishes project phase start and completion dates;

(B) defines a specific scope of work and standards by which it will be accomplished;

(D) addresses environmental considerations;

(E) identifies the owner and operations and maintenance entity of the proposed work;

(F) provides a budget;

(G) provides a payment process; and

(H) establishes the duration of the agreement based on the time necessary to complete the specified scope of work, which may be 1 or more years.

(3) Gross mismanagement

(4) Inherent Federal functions

(5) Inter-tribal consortium

(6) Secretary

(7) Self-governance

(8) Tribal share

(b) Indian tribe

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 501, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 712.)

§ 5382. Establishment

The Secretary shall establish and carry out a program within the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health and Human Services to be known as the “Tribal Self-Governance Program” in accordance with this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 502, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 714.)

§ 5383. Selection of participating Indian tribes

(a) Continuing participation

(b) Additional participants

(1) In general

(2) Treatment of certain Indian tribes

(A) In general

(B) Effect of withdrawal

(1) In general

The qualified applicant pool for self-governance shall consist of each Indian tribe that—

(A) successfully completes the planning phase described in subsection (d) of this section;

(B) has requested participation in self-governance by resolution or other official action by the governing body of each Indian tribe to be served; and

(2) Criteria for determining financial stability and financial management capacity

(d) Planning phase

Each Indian tribe seeking participation in self-governance shall complete a planning phase. The planning phase shall be conducted to the satisfaction of the Indian tribe and shall include—

(1) legal and budgetary research; and

(2) internal tribal government planning and organizational preparation relating to the administration of health care programs.

(e) Grants

Subject to the availability of appropriations, any Indian tribe meeting the requirements of paragraph (1)(B) and (C) of subsection (c) of this section shall be eligible for grants—

(1) to plan for participation in self-governance; and

(2) to negotiate the terms of participation by the Indian tribe or tribal organization in self-governance, as set forth in a compact and a funding agreement.

(f) Receipt of grant not required

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 503, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 714.)

§ 5384. Compacts

(a) Compact required

(b) Contents

An Indian tribe participating in the Tribal Self-Governance Demonstration Project under title III 1

1 See References in Text note below.

on August 18, 2000, shall have the option at any time after August 18, 2000, to—

(1) retain the Tribal Self-Governance Demonstration Project compact of that Indian tribe (in whole or in part) to the extent that the provisions of that funding agreement are not directly contrary to any express provision of this subchapter; or

(2) instead of retaining a compact or portion thereof under paragraph (1), negotiate a new compact in a manner consistent with the requirements of this subchapter.

(d) Term and effective date

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 504, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 715.)

§ 5385. Funding agreements

(a) Funding agreement required

(b) Contents

(1) In general

(2) Inclusion of certain programs, services, functions, and activitiesSuch programs, services, functions, or activities (or portions thereof) include all programs, services, functions, activities (or portions thereof), including grants (which may be added to a funding agreement after an award of such grants), with respect to which Indian tribes or Indians are primary or significant beneficiaries, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Indian Health Service and all local, field, service unit, area, regional, and central headquarters or national office functions so administered under the authority of—

(A)section 13 of this title;

(B) the Act of April 16, 1934 (48 Stat. 596; chapter 147; 25 U.S.C. 452 et seq.); 1

1 See References in Text note below.

(D) the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.);

(E) the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1986 (25 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.);

(F) any other Act of Congress authorizing any agency of the Department of Health and Human Services to administer, carry out, or provide financial assistance to such a program, service, function or activity (or portions thereof) described in this section that is carried out for the benefit of Indians because of their status as Indians; or

(G) any other Act of Congress authorizing such a program, service, function, or activity (or portions thereof) carried out for the benefit of Indians under which appropriations are made available to any agency other than an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, in any case in which the Secretary administers that program, service, function, or activity (or portion thereof).

(d) Funding agreement termsEach funding agreement under this subchapter shall set forth—

(1) terms that generally identify the programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) to be performed or administered; and

(2) for the items identified in paragraph (1)—

(A) the general budget category assigned;

(B) the funds to be provided, including those funds to be provided on a recurring basis;

(D) the responsibilities of the Secretary; and

(E) any other provision with respect to which the Indian tribe and the Secretary agree.

(e) Subsequent funding agreements

(f) Existing funding agreementsEach Indian tribe participating in the Tribal Self-Governance Demonstration Project established under title III 1 on August 18, 2000, shall have the option at any time thereafter to—

(1) retain the Tribal Self-Governance Demonstration Project funding agreement of that Indian tribe (in whole or in part) to the extent that the provisions of that funding agreement are not directly contrary to any express provision of this subchapter; or

(2) instead of retaining a funding agreement or portion thereof under paragraph (1), negotiate a new funding agreement in a manner consistent with the requirements of this subchapter.

(g) Stable base funding

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 505, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 716.)

§ 5386. General provisions

(a) Applicability

(b) Conflicts of interest

(1) Single Agency Audit Act

(2) Cost principles

(d) Records

(1) In general

(2) Recordkeeping system

(e) Redesign and consolidation

(f) RetrocessionAn Indian tribe may retrocede, fully or partially, to the Secretary programs, services, functions, or activities (or portions thereof) included in the compact or funding agreement. Unless the Indian tribe rescinds the request for retrocession, such retrocession will become effective within the timeframe specified by the parties in the compact or funding agreement. In the absence of such a specification, such retrocession shall become effective on—

(1) the earlier of—

(A) 1 year after the date of submission of such request; or

(B) the date on which the funding agreement expires; or

(2) such date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the Indian tribe.

(g) Withdrawal

(1) Process

(A) In general

(B) Effective dateThe withdrawal referred to in subparagraph (A) shall become effective within the timeframe specified in the resolution which authorizes transfer to the participating tribal organization or inter-tribal consortium. In the absence of a specific timeframe set forth in the resolution, such withdrawal shall become effective on—

(i) the earlier of—(I) 1 year after the date of submission of such request; or(II) the date on which the funding agreement expires; or

(ii) such date as may be mutually agreed upon by the Secretary, the withdrawing Indian tribe, and the participating tribal organization or inter-tribal consortium that has signed the compact or funding agreement on behalf of the withdrawing Indian tribe, inter-tribal consortium, or tribal organization.

(2) Distribution of fundsWhen an Indian tribe or tribal organization eligible to enter into a self-determination contract under subchapter I of this chapter or a compact or funding agreement under this subchapter fully or partially withdraws from a participating inter-tribal consortium or tribal organization—

(A) the withdrawing Indian tribe or tribal organization shall be entitled to its tribal share of funds supporting those programs, services, functions, or activities (or portions thereof) that the Indian tribe will be carrying out under its own self-determination contract or compact and funding agreement (calculated on the same basis as the funds were initially allocated in the funding agreement of the inter-tribal consortium or tribal organization); and

(B) the funds referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be transferred from the funding agreement of the inter-tribal consortium or tribal organization, on the condition that the provisions of sections 5321 and 5324(i) of this title, as appropriate, shall apply to that withdrawing Indian tribe.

(3) Regaining mature contract status

(h) Nonduplication

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 506, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 717.)

§ 5387. Provisions relating to the Secretary

(a) Mandatory provisions

(1) Health status reportsCompacts or funding agreements negotiated between the Secretary and an Indian tribe shall include a provision that requires the Indian tribe to report on health status and service delivery—

(A) to the extent such data is not otherwise available to the Secretary and specific funds for this purpose are provided by the Secretary under the funding agreement; and

(B) if such reporting shall impose minimal burdens on the participating Indian tribe and such requirements are promulgated under section 5397 of this title.

(2) Reassumption

(A) In generalCompacts or funding agreements negotiated between the Secretary and an Indian tribe shall include a provision authorizing the Secretary to reassume operation of a program, service, function, or activity (or portions thereof) and associated funding if there is a specific finding relative to that program, service, function, or activity (or portion thereof) of—

(i) imminent endangerment of the public health caused by an act or omission of the Indian tribe, and the imminent endangerment arises out of a failure to carry out the compact or funding agreement; or

(ii) gross mismanagement with respect to funds transferred to a tribe by a compact or funding agreement, as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Inspector General, as appropriate.

(B) ProhibitionThe Secretary shall not reassume operation of a program, service, function, or activity (or portions thereof) unless—

(i) the Secretary has first provided written notice and a hearing on the record to the Indian tribe; and

(ii) the Indian tribe has not taken corrective action to remedy the imminent endangerment to public health or gross mismanagement.

(i) In generalNotwithstanding subparagraph (B), the Secretary may, upon written notification to the Indian tribe, immediately reassume operation of a program, service, function, or activity (or portion thereof) if—(I) the Secretary makes a finding of imminent substantial and irreparable endangerment of the public health caused by an act or omission of the Indian tribe; and(II) the endangerment arises out of a failure to carry out the compact or funding agreement.

(ii) Reassumption

(D) Hearings

(b) Final offer

(1) In generalIf the Secretary rejects an offer made under subsection (b) of this section (or one or more provisions or funding levels in such offer), the Secretary shall provide—

(A) a timely written notification to the Indian tribe that contains a specific finding that clearly demonstrates, or that is supported by a controlling legal authority, that—

(i) the amount of funds proposed in the final offer exceeds the applicable funding level to which the Indian tribe is entitled under this subchapter;

(ii) the program, function, service, or activity (or portion thereof) that is the subject of the final offer is an inherent Federal function that cannot legally be delegated to an Indian tribe;

(iii) the Indian tribe cannot carry out the program, function, service, or activity (or portion thereof) in a manner that would not result in significant danger or risk to the public health; or

(iv) the Indian tribe is not eligible to participate in self-governance under section 5383 of this title;

(B) technical assistance to overcome the objections stated in the notification required by subparagraph (A);

(C) the Indian tribe with a hearing on the record with the right to engage in full discovery relevant to any issue raised in the matter and the opportunity for appeal on the objections raised, except that the Indian tribe may, in lieu of filing such appeal, directly proceed to initiate an action in a Federal district court pursuant to section 5331(a) of this title; and

(D) the Indian tribe with the option of entering into the severable portions of a final proposed compact or funding agreement, or provision thereof, (including a lesser funding amount, if any), that the Secretary did not reject, subject to any additional alterations necessary to conform the compact or funding agreement to the severed provisions.

(2) Effect of exercising certain option

(d) Burden of proof

(e) Good faith

(f) Savings

(g) Trust responsibility

(h) DecisionmakerA decision that constitutes final agency action and relates to an appeal within the Department of Health and Human Services conducted under subsection (c) of this section shall be made either—

(1) by an official of the Department who holds a position at a higher organizational level within the Department than the level of the departmental agency in which the decision that is the subject of the appeal was made; or

(2) by an administrative judge.

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 507, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 719.)

§ 5388. Transfer of funds

(a) In general

(b) Multiyear funding

(d) Prohibitions

(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary is expressly prohibited from—

(A) failing or refusing to transfer to an Indian tribe its full share of any central, headquarters, regional, area, or service unit office or other funds due under this chapter, except as required by Federal law;

(B) withholding portions of such funds for transfer over a period of years; and

(i) to make funding available for self-governance monitoring or administration by the Secretary;

(ii) in subsequent years, except pursuant to—(I) a reduction in appropriations from the previous fiscal year for the program or function to be included in a compact or funding agreement;(II) a congressional directive in legislation or accompanying report;(III) a tribal authorization;(IV) a change in the amount of pass-through funds subject to the terms of the funding agreement; or(V) completion of a project, activity, or program for which such funds were provided;

(iii) to pay for Federal functions, including Federal pay costs, Federal employee retirement benefits, automated data processing, technical assistance, and monitoring of activities under this chapter; or

(iv) to pay for costs of Federal personnel displaced by self-determination contracts under this chapter or self-governance;

(2) Exception

(e) Other resources

(f) Reimbursement to Indian Health Service

(g) Prompt Payment Act

(h) Interest or other income on transfers

(i) Carryover of funds

(j) Program income

(k) Limitation of costs

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 508, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 722.)

§ 5389. Construction projects

(a) In general

Indian tribes participating in tribal self-governance may carry out construction projects under this subchapter if they elect to assume all Federal responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), division A of subtitle III of title 54, and related provisions of law that would apply if the Secretary were to undertake a construction project, by adopting a resolution—

(1) designating a certifying officer to represent the Indian tribe and to assume the status of a responsible Federal official under such laws; and

(2) accepting the jurisdiction of the Federal court for the purpose of enforcement of the responsibilities of the responsible Federal official under such environmental laws.

(b) Negotiations

(d) Responsibility for completion

(e) Funding

(f) Approval

(g) Wages

(h) Application of other laws

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 509, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 724; amended Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(g), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3269.)

§ 5390. Federal procurement laws and regulations

Regarding construction programs or projects, the Secretary and Indian tribes may negotiate for the inclusion of specific provisions of division B (except sections 1123, 2303, 2304, and 2313) of subtitle I of title 41 and Federal acquisition regulations in any funding agreement entered into under this subchapter. Absent a negotiated agreement, such provisions and regulatory requirements shall not apply.

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 510, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 726.)

§ 5391. Civil actions

(a) Contract defined

(b) Applicability of certain laws

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 511, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 726.)

§ 5392. Facilitation

(a) Secretarial interpretationExcept as otherwise provided by law, the Secretary shall interpret all Federal laws, Executive orders, and regulations in a manner that will facilitate—

(1) the inclusion of programs, services, functions, and activities (or portions thereof) and funds associated therewith, in the agreements entered into under this section;

(2) the implementation of compacts and funding agreements entered into under this subchapter; and

(3) the achievement of tribal health goals and objectives.

(b) Regulation waiver

(1) In general

(2) Approval

(c) Access to Federal propertyIn connection with any compact or funding agreement executed pursuant to this subchapter or an agreement negotiated under the Tribal Self-Governance Demonstration Project established under title III,1

1 See References in Text note below.

as in effect before August 18, 2000, upon the request of an Indian tribe, the Secretary—

(1) shall permit an Indian tribe to use existing school buildings, hospitals, and other facilities and all equipment therein or appertaining thereto and other personal property owned by the Government within the Secretary’s jurisdiction under such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the Indian tribe for their use and maintenance;

(2) may donate to an Indian tribe title to any personal or real property found to be excess to the needs of any agency of the Department, or the General Services Administration, except that—

(A) subject to the provisions of subparagraph (B), title to property and equipment furnished by the Federal Government for use in the performance of the compact or funding agreement or purchased with funds under any compact or funding agreement shall, unless otherwise requested by the Indian tribe, vest in the appropriate Indian tribe;

(B) if property described in subparagraph (A) has a value in excess of $5,000 at the time of retrocession, withdrawal, or reassumption, at the option of the Secretary upon the retrocession, withdrawal, or reassumption, title to such property and equipment shall revert to the Department of Health and Human Services; and

(C) all property referred to in subparagraph (A) shall remain eligible for replacement, maintenance, and improvement on the same basis as if title to such property were vested in the United States; and

(3) shall acquire excess or surplus Government personal or real property for donation to an Indian tribe if the Secretary determines the property is appropriate for use by the Indian tribe for any purpose for which a compact or funding agreement is authorized under this subchapter.

(d) Matching or cost-participation requirement

(e) State facilitation

(f) Rules of construction

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 512, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 726.)

§ 5393. Budget request

(a) Requirement of annual budget request

(1) In general

(2) Rule of construction

(b) Present funding; shortfalls

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 513, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 727.)

§ 5394. Reports

(a) Annual report

(1) In general

(2) Analysis

(b) ContentsThe report under subsection (a) of this section shall—

(1) be compiled from information contained in funding agreements, annual audit reports, and data of the Secretary regarding the disposition of Federal funds; and

(2) identify—

(A) the relative costs and benefits of self-governance;

(B) with particularity, all funds that are specifically or functionally related to the provision by the Secretary of services and benefits to self-governance Indian tribes and their members;

(C) the funds transferred to each self-governance Indian tribe and the corresponding reduction in the Federal bureaucracy;

(D) the funding formula for individual tribal shares of all headquarters funds, together with the comments of affected Indian tribes or tribal organizations, developed under subsection (c) of this section; and

(E) amounts expended in the preceding fiscal year to carry out inherent Federal functions, including an identification of those functions by type and location;

(3) contain a description of the method or methods (or any revisions thereof) used to determine the individual tribal share of funds controlled by all components of the Indian Health Service (including funds assessed by any other Federal agency) for inclusion in self-governance compacts or funding agreements;

(4) before being submitted to Congress, be distributed to the Indian tribes for comment (with a comment period of no less than 30 days, beginning on the date of distribution); and

(5) include the separate views and comments of the Indian tribes or tribal organizations.

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 514, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 728.)

§ 5395. Disclaimers

(a) No funding reduction

(b) Federal trust and treaty responsibilities

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 515, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 729.)

§ 5396. Application of other sections of this chapter

(a) Mandatory application

(b) Discretionary application

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 516, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 729.)

§ 5397. Regulations

(a) In general

(1) Promulgation

(2) Publication of proposed regulations

(3) Expiration of authority

(b) Committee

(1) In general

(2) Requirements

(d) Effect

(e) Effect of circulars, policies, manuals, guidances, and rules

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 517, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 730.)

§ 5398. Appeals

In any appeal (including civil actions) involving decisions made by the Secretary under this subchapter, the Secretary shall have the burden of proof of demonstrating by clear and convincing evidence—

(1) the validity of the grounds for the decision made; and

(2) that the decision is fully consistent with provisions and policies of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 518, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 730.)

§ 5399. Authorization of appropriations

(a) In general

(b) Availability of appropriations

(Pub. L. 93–638, title V, § 519, as added Pub. L. 106–260, § 4, Aug. 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 731.)