Tribal Healthcare Careers Act
The Tribal Healthcare Careers Act would modify the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program under the Social Security Act to ensure more of its funding goes to Indian populations. Specifically, it would reserve 15 percent of HPOG funds each fiscal year for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). It would also require the Secretary to guarantee that at least 10 HPOG grants are awarded to eligible Indian tribal entities (tribes, tribal organizations, or TCUs) in any given year, as long as there are a sufficient number of eligible applications. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025. Overall, the aim is to strengthen health workforce training and career opportunities within Indian communities.
Key Points
- 115 percent set-aside: Each fiscal year, 15% of Health Profession Opportunity Grant funds must be reserved for grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.
- 2Guaranteed grants: The Secretary must award at least 10 HPOG grants in a year to eligible Indian tribal entities, provided there are a sufficient number of qualifying applications.
- 3Eligible recipients: The guaranteed-grant provision applies to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.
- 4Effective date: The amendments take effect starting October 1, 2025.
- 5Legislative mechanics: The bill amends sections 2008(c)(1) and 2008(a)(2)(C) of the Social Security Act to implement the set-aside and the grant-guarantee provisions.