Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024, the Secretary, acting through the Service (referred to in this section as the Secretary), in accordance with subsection (b), shall develop and implement a Service-wide centralized credentialing system (referred to in this section as the credentialing system) to credential licensed health professionals who seek to provide health care services at any Service unit.

In implementing the credentialing system, the Secretary—

(A) shall not require re-credentialing of licensed health professionals who were credentialed using existing Service policy prior to the date of enactment of the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024; and

(B) shall—

(i) use the credentialing system for—

(I) all applications for credentialing or re-credentialing of licensed health professionals submitted on or after the date of enactment of the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024; and

(II) the migration into the credentialing system of credentials data that existed prior to implementation of the credentialing system; and

(ii) maintain the established timeline for re-credentialing of licensed health professionals who were credentialed prior to implementation of the credentialing system, as defined by Service policy.

In developing the credentialing system under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that—

(A) credentialing procedures shall be uniform throughout the Service; and

(B) with respect to each licensed health professional who successfully completes the credentialing procedures of the credentialing system, the Secretary may authorize the licensed health professional to provide health care services at any Service unit.

The requirements described in paragraph (1) shall not apply to licensed health professionals who were credentialed using existing Service policy prior to the date of enactment of the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024 until the date on which those licensed health professionals are required to be re-credentialed in accordance with the credentialing system developed and implemented under subsection (a).

In developing the credentialing system under subsection (a), the Secretary—

(1) shall consult with Indian tribes; and

(2) may consult with—

(A) any public or private association of medical providers;

(B) any government agency; or

(C) any other relevant expert, as determined by the Secretary.

Subject to paragraph (2), a licensed health care professional may not provide health care services at any Service unit, unless the licensed health care professional successfully completes the credentialing procedures of the credentialing system developed and implemented under subsection (a).

Paragraph (1) shall not apply to licensed health professionals who were credentialed using existing Service policy prior to the date of enactment of the Uniform Credentials for IHS Providers Act of 2024 until the date on which those licensed health professionals are required to be re-credentialed in accordance with the credentialing system developed and implemented under subsection (a).

To the extent that prior to the deadline described in subsection (a)(1), the Service has begun implementing or has completed implementation of a medical credentialing system that otherwise meets the requirements of this section, the Service shall not be required to establish a new credentialing system under this section.

The Service may expand or enhance an existing credentialing system to meet the requirements of this section.

Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Service shall—

(i) undertake a formal review of the credentialing system in effect on the date of the review; and

(ii) if necessary, take action to bring the credentialing system into compliance with the requirements of this section.

Each formal review conducted under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to the consultation requirements under subsection (c).

Nothing in this section—

(1) negatively impacts the right of an Indian tribe to enter into a compact or contract under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); or

(2) applies to such a compact or contract unless expressly agreed to by the Indian tribe.