HHS OCR Tribal Consultation: Section 1557 – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

Dear Tribal Leaders, Public Health Officials, and Indian Country Professionals,

Please see the attached Dear Tribal Leader Letter initiating Tribal Consultation on a recent proposed rule that revises implementing regulations for Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Section 1557) related to Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities, 42 U.S.C. § 18116. The NPRM proposes robust civil rights protections on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, and the Department invites you to participate in a Tribal Consultation to share your views and civil rights priorities.

HHS will hold a Virtual Tribal Consultation on the proposed rule on August 31, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EDT. This Tribal Consultation will provide an opportunity for HHS to inform Tribes about the proposed regulatory changes to the Section 1557 implementing regulation at 45 C.F.R. Part 92. Additionally, this Tribal Consultation will also provide a forum for Tribes to collectively share their views and priorities with HHS officials about the federal requirements for nondiscrimination in health programs and activities.

HHS understands the importance of hearing from Tribes on national and regional issues, as well as Tribe-specific concerns. You can register for the Tribal Consultation on Section 1557

Rulemaking at the following link: Register Here.

Tribal Affairs Team

Office of the Secretary | Intergovernmental and External Affairs

Department of Health and Human Services