Community Health Aid Program (CHAP): Implementation in Tribal Communities
Presenters:
Christina Peters, Tribal Community Health Provider Program Director
Brian Wilbur, Treasurer on the Senate of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Sarah Sullivan, Health Policy Director, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
John Stephens, Consultant, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Facilitator: Cyndi Ferguson, SENSE Incorporated
The Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee (TSGAC) hosted a Webinar on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (ET). The purpose of the Webinar is to provide a Tribally-driven discussion on CHAP as it exists in Tribal communities in the Alaska and Portland Areas. Presenters shared the vision of their Tribes and Tribal leaders utilizing CHAP in the context of Self Governance and Self Determination. Have a question? Click here to submit your question.
Supporting PowerPoint(s):
- Christina Peter’s PPT: Click Here
- Other Associated References and Links:
- https://www.tchpp.org/
- https://www.indiancountryecho.org/program/chap-echo-learning-collaborative/
- Brian Wilbur and Sarah Sullivan’s PPT: Click Here
- Other Associated References and Links:
- American Indians and Alaska Natives face a disproportionate burden of oral health disease compared to any population in the US
- Barriers to the Oral Health Workforce in Indian Country include burnout, limited staffing, and lack of AI/AN representation in the workforce.
- “the use of dental health aide therapist services or midlevel dental health provider services is authorized under State law.” 25 U.S.C. § 1616l(d)(3)(A).
- Swinomish adopted the first Tribal Dental Health Provider Licensing Code to license and regulate Dentists, Hygienists, Dental Therapists, and recently Dental Therapy Education Programs.
- IHCIA 25 U.S.C. § 1616l(3)(A)
- Washington RCW 70.350.020
- 2023: 9th Circuit ruled unanimously in favor of the State of Washington and Swinomish, and reversed the CMS/HHS decision to deny the State Plan Amendment. (WA State Health Care Authority; Swinomish Indian Tribal Community v. CMS, 57 F.4th 703 [9th Cir. 2023])
- 2023: Washington House Bill 1678 was passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law by the Governor
- Swinomish in partnership with Skagit Valley College developed the first Dental Therapy Education Program in Washington State.
- Associate of Applied Science in Dental Therapy
- Update the IHS Circular 20-06
Webinar Video: