History, law, and policy as a foundation for health care delivery for American Indian and Alaska native children.
Most American Indian and Alaska Native Children (AIAN) receive health care that is based on the unique historical legacy of tribal treaty obligations and a trust relationship of sovereign nation to sovereign nation. From colonial America to the early 21st century, the wellbeing of AIAN children has been impacted as federal laws were crafted for the health, education and wellbeing of its AIAN citizens. Important public laws are addressed in this article, highlighting the development of the Indian Health Service (IHS), a federal agency designed to provide comprehensive clinical and public health services to citizens of federally recognized tribes. The context during which various acts were made into law are described to note the times during which the policy making process took place. Policies internal and external to the IHS are summarized, widening the lens spanning the past 200 years and into the future of these first nations' youngest members.
Thierry
Judith
J
Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 300, Room 313, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. Judith.thierry@ihs.gov
Brenneman
George
G
Rhoades
Everett
E
Chilton
Lance
L
D000413:Alaska; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D004493:Education / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006291:Health Policy / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006293:Health Promotion; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004930:Inuit; D007878:Legislation as Topic / Q000266:history; D011050:Policy Making; D014481:United States; D016549:United States Indian Health Service / Q000266:history / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence