Senate authorizes subpoena power in Indian Health Service investigation

The chairman and vice-chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday morning authorized the use of subpoena power in their investigation of Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) are looking into what they call "very serious issues" with the healthcare facilities in the Aberdeen Area, which includes 48 IHS facilities in four states — North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa.

"Over the past four years we have been aware of and attempted to force the IHS to deal with very serious cases of mismanagement, malfeasance, retaliation against whistleblowers as well as potential criminal behavior in the Aberdeen Area," Dorgan said in a statement. "Still, our efforts haven’t resulted in the changes that are necessary."

Among other problems, the Quentin Burdick Hospital in North Dakota's Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation has had five CEOs in a little more than two years. And staff shortages have prevented patients from getting the care they need at the hospital.

Dorgan said IHS Director Yvette Roubideaux is cooperating with the investigation and has launched her own investigation. He has given IHS until July 28 to turn over documents and other information related to the investigation, after which the committee plans to use its subpoena power.