CMS's findings have, once again, provided a public window in these facilities to view the substandard care

It seems like every time we have an emergency that comes up and there’s an obvious layout program, we find out more things are a problem and it brings in the public attention, but what we end up doing is we provided a band-aid.

I'd much rather see Avera, Sanford, Rapid City Regional Health in these hospitals than AB Staffing solutions.

Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing in South Dakota, and I want to speak out to the commission and those who are affected most by the Indian Health Services and those are who are part of the communities.

There's got to be whistleblower protection so when things go wrong and people report it, they aren't retaliated against.

$80 million. $80 million, Mr. Chairman, that went for litigation that was taken from patient care in the Great Plains Area.

This requires systemic change. You can't fix this by changing the oil and replacing the tires. We need a whole new car.

More taxpayer money won't solve the dysfunction because what IHS lacks is an efficient system and accountability.

There's got to be a way in which we can create a mechanism formalized so that consultation can take place.

The IHS needs major reform.

The legislation proposed by Chairman Barrasso and Senator John Thune, S. 2953 'The Indian Health Service Accountability Act of 2016', is attempting to address long-standing Tribal concerns about the IHS.

The audit that Senator Thune has been discussing is essential to that being possible.

Chairman Barrasso, one quick follow-up on that point. And I fully appreciate the fact, Secretary Wakefield, that you followed the protocols and whatever the bidding requirements to award that contract, but, my gosh, there has got to be…

Thune to seek restoration of funding for a FULL FLEDGED EMERGENCY ROOM AT THE WAGNER UNIT, TO PREVENT FURTHER UNTIMELY DEATHS.

Work with us on getting that coordinated.

Significant and structural changes are needed and this bill boldly steps into that arena as a first attempt to open the dialogue of change.

Unfortunately, IHS has not been transparent and they have not been forthcoming about these issues.

Investing more taxpayer money in a dysfunctional system will only compound the problem.