Dusty Johnson: “South Dakota tribes are prevented from developing elder care on their reservations due to a State imposed moratorium on…”

“South Dakota tribes are prevented from developing elder care on their reservations due to a State imposed moratorium on the construction or acquisition of additional nursing home beds. This impasse has gone on for nearly a decade, much too long. Today I am introducing legislation along with my good friend and colleague Senator Daschle, that will facilitate the development and operation of nursing facilities that are owned or operated by an Indian tribe or tribal organization on Indian reservations that are located in the State of South Dakota. Additionally, the legislation will protect the right of members of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to access health care provided by nursing facilities in the exercise of those members' entitlement to medical assistance under the Medicaid program. The facts and information discussed during the Senate Indian Affairs July 10, 2002, Hearing on Elder Health Issues, confirms the need for this legislation. The National Resource Center on Native American Aging at the University of North Dakota, NRCNAA, reports that there is a "greater level of need for personal assistance among the Native American elders than in the general population". Only 6.5 percent of the Native American elders over 55 receive such services. This fact is especially alarming in light of the fact that Indian elders are affected disproportionately by disability and poor health.”