Navajo Area Indian Health Service (GFJ); Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority, 69570-69577 [06-9476]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Indian Health Service

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 231 (Friday, December 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69570-69577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-9476]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Navajo Area Indian Health Service (GFJ); Organization, Functions, 
and Delegations of Authority

Office of the Area Director (GFJ1)

    (1) Plans, develops and directs the Area Program within the 
framework of Indian Health Service (IHS) policy in pursuit of the IHS 
mission; (2) delivers and ensures the delivery of high quality 
comprehensive health services; (3) coordinates the IHS activities and 
resources internally and externally with those of other governmental 
and nongovernmental programs; (4) promotes optimum utilization of 
health care services through management and delivery of services to 
American Indians and Alaska Natives; (5) encourages the full 
application of the principles of Indian preference and Equal Employment 
Opportunity (EEO); and (6) provides Indian Tribes and other Indian 
community groups with optional ways of participating in the Indian 
Health programs including an opportunity to participate in developing 
the mission, values and goals for the Navajo Area Indian Health Service 
(NAIHS).

Equal Employment Opportunity Staff (GFJ1)

    (1) Advises the Area Director and other key management officials in 
the execution of their IHS responsibilities; (2) provides program 
direction and leadership for the Area EEO program and procedures; and 
(3) ensures the elimination of discrimination practices in employment, 
promotion, training, treatment of applicants, and employees, because of 
race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, and handicapping 
conditions.

Office of Administration and Management (GFJ2)

    (1) Plans, directs, and coordinates NAIHS activities in the areas 
of policy, internal controls reviews, financial management, personnel 
management, third-party reimbursements; contract health services (CHS) 
funds; contracts management, procurement, personal property 
accountability/management, and administrative services; (2) serves as 
the Navajo Area principal advisor on all Area organization and 
management policy activities; and (3) provides guidance and assistance 
to service units in the overall development, planning and 
implementation of administrative functions.

[[Page 69571]]

Third-Party Resources Staff (GFJ2)

    (1) Establishes liaison and coordinates Medicare/Medicaid 
activities with States agencies; (2) plans and coordinates the third-
party activities of NAIHS facilities, develops policy pertaining to 
third-party activities, and coordinates and develops overall policy and 
plans for the implementation of Title IV, Public Law (Pub. L.) 94-437, 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act; and (3) provides technical 
assistance and guidance to service unit third-party staff.

Contract Health Services Branch (GFJ21)

    (1) Establishes and provides organization, coordination, and 
implementation of policies and procedures for CHS operations, utilizing 
managed care concepts; (2) coordinates the development of an annual 
budget, with advice of allowance, for CHS fund control activities; (4) 
coordinates and evaluates medical, preventive, and hospital services 
provided through formal contractual procedures; (5) implements and 
administers a CHS quality assurance program that is data based and 
verifiable, for monitoring the quality of CHS; (6) establishes 
strategic CHS plans that are developed to support organizations, 
issues, or work processes; (7) coordinates and implements information 
resource related processes that integrates selected techniques/methods 
with CHS systems to solve processes/problems; and (8) coordinates and 
analyzes appeal cases, high cost care cases, and deferred CHS services.

Division of Financial Management (GFJ22)

    (1) Provides direction for the organization, coordination, and 
execution of all budget and financial operations of the Area; (2) 
monitors fund control operations of service units, and program offices; 
(3) develops and implements budget, fiscal, and accounting procedures; 
(4) conducts reviews and analyses to ensure compliance with Area 
policy; (5) interprets policies, guidelines, manual issuances, Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars, directives and other 
instructions issued by IHS, Health Resources Services Administration 
(HRSA), Public Health Service (PHS), Department of Health Human 
Services (HHS), OMB, and Congress as it related to the formulation of 
Area and service units budgets and budget execution; (6) develops and 
makes recommendations of Area budget execution by service unit; (7) 
establishes and maintains memorandum accounts of obligations for 
allowances through use of commitment registers; and (8) monitors and 
ensure proper obligation of prior year funds.

Travel and Debt Management (GFJ22)

    (1) Provides interpretation and ensure compliance with operating 
policies, procedures, guidelines via Federal Travel Regulations, 
Federal Property Management Regulations, Joint Travel Regulations, HHS 
Travel Manual, Indian Health Manual--Travel Management, etc.; and (2) 
develops and implements Area-wide internal controls and ensures 
compliance with established policies, procedures and regulations.

Budget Branch (GFJ221)

    (1) Ensures that accurate and current information is available at 
all times for the Navajo Area Executive Staff, Division Chiefs, and 
service unit management teams; and (2) ensures that funds are allotted 
properly and accounted for in line with acceptable Federal accounting 
practices. Analyzes obligation trends and prepares periodic reports.

Accounting Branch (GFJ222)

    (1) Provides advice and guidance to Area and service unit staff in 
the areas of collection, imprest funds, accounts receivable, and 
internal audit. Advises Area and service unit staff on the 
interpretation of accounting data and reports received from IHS 
Headquarters (HQ); and (2) assures that accounting transactions are 
entered properly and prepares periodic or special purpose reports and 
financial statements for Area Divisions and service units.

Division of Administrative Services (GFJ23)

    (1) Plans, develops, coordinates, and provides internal audit 
activities, office services, records management and delegation/
directives control, personal property management, and other 
administrative services in support of Area programs; (2) provides 
guidance to service units in the operation and evaluation of 
procurement and acquisition of equipment, office services, 
telecommunications (voice), and transportation; (3) develops and 
executes administrative management systems, methods, and techniques 
designed to organize, maintain, monitor, evaluate, and report on the 
administrative aspects of the Area-wide supply management program in 
support of requirements and authorities of IHS, PHS, and HHS; (4) 
serves as the administrative authority on Federal personal property 
management laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and 
practices; and (5) organizes, maintains, monitors, evaluates, and 
reports on the acquisition, control, utilization, and disposition of 
personal property.

Directives Controls--Delegations & Records Management

Directives and Delegations Control

    (1) Advises staff on the procedures for the development, revision, 
or cancellation of Area-issued directives and delegations; (2) ensures 
that Area and service unit personnel are afforded the opportunity to 
comment on draft IHS and NAIHS directives; (3) provides policy 
interpretation of Area-issued directives and delegations; and (4) 
maintains complete sets of IHS and NAIHS directives and delegations.

Records Management

    (1) Must ensure comprehensive knowledge of regulatory and statutory 
requirements associated with the three records management processes of 
creation, maintenance, and disposition of records; (2) plans, develops, 
and implements uniform records management practices, training, and 
compliance reviews; (3) provides technical assistance as requested at 
individual file stations; (4) assists in the transfer and retrieval of 
Area and service unit records with the National Archives and Records 
Administration and other Federal agencies; and (5) ensures that the 
maintenance and disposition of records is in accordance with records 
schedules approved by the Archivist of the United States.

Office Services

    (1) Provides leadership, direction, and supervision in the 
planning, development, and operation of printing/duplicating 
management, security management, vehicle management, mail systems 
management, telecommunications management (voice); (2) ensures 
transportation management for household goods (HHG) protocols are 
followed specific to regulatory requirements for both commissioned 
corps and civil service employees by providing guidance on HHG 
practices, training, and reviews; (3) maintains inventories of office 
supplies at the Gallup Regional Supply Service Center (GRSSC); and (4) 
provides forms/correspondence management and monitors form 
accountability in conjunction with the GRSSC.

Internal Audit Branch

    (1) Plans, implements, coordinates and monitors all audit functions 
applicable to programs and operations; (2) provides annually an 
assessment on

[[Page 69572]]

the adequacy and effectiveness of processes for controlling activities 
and managing risks in program areas; (3) reports significant issues 
related to the processes for controlling the activities of the Area and 
its affiliates, including potential improvements to those processes, 
and provides information concerning such issues through resolution; (4) 
periodically provides information on the status and results of an 
annual audit plan and the sufficiency of department resources; (5) 
coordinates with other control and monitoring functions (risk 
management, compliance, security, legal, ethics, environmental, 
external audit); and (6) performs evaluations, development, 
implementation, technical assistance and consultation in accordance 
with audit standards established by Comptroller and Office of Inspector 
General for audits of Federal organizations, program activities, and 
functions.

Property Management Branch (GFJ232)

    (1) Provides leadership, direction and overall management of all 
personal property in key areas of accountability, utilization, control, 
and disposal; (2) provides guidance on Area property management 
procedures including property accounting and reporting instructions; 
(3) executes physical inventories including the reconciliation of 
inventory reports and standard general ledger accounts; (4) documents 
all transactions affecting personal property; and (5) provides 
technical assistance Area-wide on property software packages, e.g. 
Sunflower Assets, FoxPro.

Supply Management Branch (GRSSC) (GFJ234)

    (1) Provides overall management of expendable supplies to include 
reliability, timeliness, quality, service and cost effectiveness; (2) 
directs and supplies pharmaceutical, laboratory, dental, medical, 
administrative, subsistence, and general supply items; (3) plans, 
develops, and manages the supply budget; (operational stores and prime 
vendor); and (4) provides technical and staff assistance to Area and 
service units on matters related to the acquisition, utilization, 
disposition, and accountability of supplies.

Division of Acquisition Management and Contracts (GFJ24)

    (1) Plans, develops, and coordinates the execution of 
administrative systems, methods, and techniques for Area procurement 
activities; (2) provides guidance to service units on the 
administrative aspects of Federal contracting, procurement, and grant 
requirements; (3) participates with Tribes in developing administrative 
structures, procedures, and skills related to contract, procurement, 
and grants management; (4) serves as the principle focus for liaison 
activities regarding the administrative aspects of procurements; intra 
and inter-agency agreements, collaborative agreements, memorandum of 
agreements (MOA) and memorandum of understanding (MOU), etc.; (5) 
determines and delegates procurement authority; and (6) administers the 
International Merchant Purchase Authorization Card (IMP AC) program.

Business Policy Staff

    (1) Plans, develops, and coordinates the execution of 
administrative systems, methods, and techniques for both Area Office 
and service unit procurement activities; (2) audits in-progress and 
completed work of Area Office and service units; (3) prepares and 
issues internal and field policies and guidance; (4) provides 
acquisition support through cost/price analysis and proposal and bid 
evaluation; (5) serves as staff advisor/auditor for Area Office on all 
service related acquisitions and other; (6) serves as NAIHS Ombudsman 
for development and fostering of contractual relationships; (7) reviews 
and processes other agreements, including intra and inter-agency 
agreements, collaborative agreements, MOA and MOU, etc.; (8) reviews 
and processes justifications for other than full and open competition; 
(9) reviews and processes ratifications; (10) assists in administration 
of the IMPAC program; and (11) reviews and processes protests.

Small Purchase Staff

    (1) Awards and monitors procurement actions for supplies and 
services below the simplified acquisition threshold; (2) provides 
technical assistance to non-acquisition personnel in the Government and 
private sector; (3) ensures compliance with applicable Federal 
regulations and statutes; (4) prepares closeout documentation, reviews 
and processes claims, disputes, and termination actions; and (5) 
coordinates and prepares necessary acquisition reports.

Contract Performance and Evaluation (GFJ24)

    Pre-Award: (1) Establishes quality assurance provisions and 
surveillance systems for supply and service contracts; (2) coordinates 
site visits for developing future contracts; (3) assists Project 
Officers in developing statements of work; (4) serves as a technical 
expert for performance-based service acquisitions; and (5) ensures 
independent Government cost estimates are supported by historical data 
or other factual information.
    Post Award: (1) Oversees contractual terms pertaining to quality 
assurance and quality control; (2) performs field inspections to ensure 
compliance with contractual terms; (3) evaluates contractor performance 
on a wide variety of contractual issues and obligations; (4) maintains 
contractor past performance databases; and (5) assists with 
administration of performance-based contracts (PBC) to ensure proper 
application of PBC deductions or incentives.

General Acquisition Branch (GFJ242)

    (1) Awards and monitors formally advertised and negotiated 
contracts for supplies and services; (2) provides technical assistance 
to non-acquisition personnel in the Government and private sector; (3) 
ensures compliance with applicable Federal regulations and statutes; 
(4) prepares closeout documentation on all contracts, reviews and 
processes claims, disputes, and termination actions; (5) coordinates 
and prepares necessary acquisition reports; and (6) conducts on-site 
acquisition program reviews in accordance with current HHS standards.

Medical Contracts and Other Agreements Branch (GFJ243)

    (1) Coordinates the award and administration of all formally 
advertised and negotiated medical contracts; (2) provides planning, 
direction, monitoring, and evaluation assistance to service units on 
procurement functions; (3) ensures compliance with applicable Federal 
regulations and statutes; (4) prepares closeout documentation on all 
contracts, review and process claims, disputes, and termination 
actions; and (5) evaluates and administers compliance and closeout of 
contracts.

Division of Human Resources (GFJ25)

    (1) Provides the full range of personnel management and personnel 
administrative services including manpower planning and utilization, 
staffing, recruitment, compensation and classification, training, 
career development, labor and employee relations; (2) provides advice, 
consultation, and assistance to Navajo Area Office and service unit 
managers, and Tribal officials on personnel policy issues associated 
with the implementation of Pub. L. 93-638; (3) develops Area/Service 
Unit level training programs; and (4) represents NAIHS in personnel 
management

[[Page 69573]]

matters within and outside the Navajo Area.

Public Law 93-638 Staff Support

    (1) Implements personnel servicing responsibilities for the Pub. L. 
93-638 human resources programs covered by the Area's appointing 
authority; (2) processes personnel actions and appointing of all civil 
service and commissioned corps employees; (3) implements the 
application of the principles, practices and techniques of personnel 
recruitment, examination, selection and/or placement; and (4) advises 
management regarding merit promotion principles and various Federal 
personnel regulations, as well as Indian preference law/policies, basic 
personnel management concepts in determining career patterns, 
identifying promotional and reassignment opportunities.

Staffing Branch (GFJ252)

    (1) Implements personnel servicing responsibilities for the NAIHS 
human resources programs covered by the Area's appointing authority; 
(2) processes personnel actions and appointing of all civil service and 
commissioned corps employees; (3) implements the application of the 
principles, practices and techniques of personnel recruitment, 
examination, selection and/or placement; and (4) advises management 
regarding merit promotion principles and various Federal personnel 
regulations, as well as Indian preference law/policies, basic personnel 
management concepts in determining career patterns, identifying 
promotional and reassignment opportunities.

Classification and Training Branch (GFJ253).

Classification
    (1) Establishes and maintains the Area Position Classification 
Program assuring positions are classified according to Office of 
Personnel Management classification standards, techniques, and guides; 
(2) conducts regulatory classification reviews and provides technical 
guidance and assistance on special position reviews for service unit 
managers; and (3) provides advice to managers on position management 
techniques and practices.
Training
    (1) Assesses organizational training needs; (2) conducts or 
coordinates training of Area/Service Unit staff; (3) manages clearances 
of training requests for the NAIHS and manages nominations for long-
term training; (4) coordinates applications for Pub. L. 93-437 
scholarships and monitors student progress after scholarship award; and 
(5) evaluates training and career development activities throughout the 
Navajo Area.

Employee, Labor Relations and Benefits Branch (GFJ254)

    (1) Provides guidance, consultation, and assistance to management 
and employees on employee relations matters (i.e., life insurance, 
health insurance, retirement, leave), on grievances and appeals, 
adverse actions, employee discipline, and related matters; (2) provides 
advice on employee performance plans, incentive awards; and (3) 
represents management in meetings with labor organizations, and before 
third-party officials.

Division of Management Information Systems (GFJ26)

    (1) Provides direction, supervision and management of all 
activities related to data processing, word processing, networking, 
video-conferencing, digital imaging transmission, computer security, 
telecommunications and archiving; (2) provides direct services through 
operation and management of associated automated data processing (ADP) 
hardware and software; (3) provides technical assistance in related 
activities involving systems design, development, implementation, 
testing and training throughout the NAIHS, including staff assistance 
to Area and service unit staff; (4) provides data processing services, 
including computer operations, and information retrieval and analysis 
for operational data systems within the NAIHS; and (5) performs systems 
analysis, computer programming, computer systems security, system 
implementation and user training for the Area's data systems.

Systems Administration Branch (GFJ261)

    (1) Provides overall system administration support functions for 
the Navajo Area Office and service unit Resource and Patient Management 
System, NT, Win 2k, Unix and Commercial Off The Shelf operating 
systems; (2) plans, develops, and manages the NAIHS Web site; (3) 
monitors and ensures all Security requirements are met or exceeded; (4) 
develops applications for administrative, financial and clinical 
reporting requirements; and (5) evaluates new technologies and internet 
services.

Policy Planning and Management Branch (GFJ262)

    (1) Coordinates and promotes the NAIHS information technology (IT) 
strategic planning initiatives; (2) monitors, develops and manages the 
NAIHS information systems policies and procedures; (3) consults with 
administrative services and management regarding information systems 
initiatives and provides IT support; (4) maintains, monitors and 
coordinates the RPMS system-wide data elements requirements; and (5) 
assembles performance improvement measurements required by the Joint 
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or 
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Information Systems Security Branch (GFJ263)

    (1) Develops and monitors information systems security requirements 
for NAIHS; (2) plans, develops, and monitors security policies, 
procedures and requirements for the Area Office and service units; (3) 
installs, manages and monitors security systems to protect patient 
privacy and confidentiality; (4) plans, designs and implements network 
and telecommunications systems to provide optimum voice, video and data 
transmission; and (5) manages and monitors wide area network and local 
area networks for optimum digital imaging/telehealth utilization and 
availability.

Office of Environmental Health and Engineering (GFJ3)

    (1) Establishes policies related to NAIHS health care and 
sanitation facilities planning, construction, operations, and 
maintenance; (2) provides leadership, guidance and coordination to the 
overall Navajo facilities management programs; (3) develops and 
coordinates program requirements for planning, design and evaluation of 
health care and sanitation facilities; (4) develops, coordinates, and 
evaluates technical standards, guides, plans and requirements for 
health care and sanitation facilities constructing requirements within 
the Navajo Area; (5) provides leadership, guidance, and coordination to 
the overall Area Biomedical Engineering Program, and the Occupational 
Health and Safety Management Programs; and (6) allocates appropriation 
funds to all Office of Environmental Health and Engineering programs 
and projects.

[[Page 69574]]

Division of Environmental Health Services (GFJ32)

    (1) Plans, develops and appraises Area-wide environmental health 
services programs; (2) provides technical assistance to the service 
units and the Tribes on the implementation of comprehensive 
environmental health programs and services among Indian families and 
communities; (3) provides technical assistance on environmental health 
including institutional environmental health and plan reviews, vector 
control, epidemiology, sanitary facilities, and food sanitation to the 
IHS, Tribes and other State and Federal agencies; (4) plans and 
implements an integrated Area-wide injury prevention and control 
program designed to reduce injury deaths and hospitalizations: (5) 
coordinates environmental responses to emerging diseases with Tribes, 
States, and other Federal agencies; and (6) manages and administers a 
Web-based environmental health database that helps determine resource 
requirement allocations.

Division of Sanitation Facilities Construction Services (GFJ33)

    (1) Administers the Indian Sanitation Facilities Construction 
Program through Pub. L. 86-121; (2) plans, develops, coordinates, 
appraises and evaluates Area-wide sanitation facilities construction 
activities conducted in cooperation with Tribal groups and other 
agencies; (3) provides engineering consultation regarding 
environmentally related public health programs; and (4) provides 
technical liaison with other Governmental agencies, foundations and 
groups relative to public health engineering and environmental health. 
As part of the Pub. L. 86-121 program, the Division provides the 
following:
     Personnel staffing, training, orientation, and 
development.
     Professional/technical/environmental standards compliance 
and support.
     National Environmental Policy Act (NEP A) compliance 
documentation, approval, and support.
     Right-of-way easement documents, approval, and support.
     Specialty use/construction permits, approval, and support.
     Project funding document preparation, production, 
approval, and support.
     Multi-agency funded projects coordination, procurement, 
and task tracking.
     Procurement/warehousing/inventory of office and special 
order project materials/ equipment/services.
     Project services, materials, equipment, and construction 
via MOA638 contracts with Navajo Engineering Consulting Association and 
Navajo Tribal Utility Association.
     Vehicle fleet maintenance, management, and support.
     Project electrical design, services, and support.
     Project accounting and payment services and/or support.
     Project final inspection/transfer process documentation, 
tracking, approval, and support.
     Technical support for writing, completion, and 
distribution of project final reports.
     Coordination of feasibility studies related to Tribal, 
chapter, and outside agency requests.

Division of Facilities Management and Engineering (GFJ34)

    (1) Develops and coordinates program requirements for planning, 
design and evaluation of health care facilities in the Navajo Area; (2) 
develops, coordinates, and evaluates technical standards, guidelines, 
plans, and requirements for health care facilities construction 
requirements within IHS, HRSA and PHS; (3) develops and coordinates 
facility construction programs; (4) provides technical assistance and 
monitors Navajo Area and Tribal facilities planning and construction 
programs; (5) coordinates interagency requirements for shared or 
cooperative projects with agencies such as Department of Defense, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, State, Tribal, and regional planning 
bodies; (6) provides technical assistance and consultation to the 
Tribal government to assist and brief those organizations on the 
progress of planning, design and construction projects; (7) ensures 
compliance with NEP A and other environmental regulations in planning, 
design and construction of health care facilities, support buildings, 
major renovations/expansion to existing facilities and staff quarters; 
(8) responsible for real property asset accountability of all IHS 
government property; and (9) responsible for budget accounting for all 
construction projects for all funding sources.

Division of Biomedical Engineering (GFJ35)

    (1) Plans, develops, coordinates, appraises and evaluates Area-wide 
biomedical engineering programs; (2) assesses service unit biomedical 
engineering needs and develops appropriate action programs and 
modification to existing program functions; (3) coordinates staff 
assignments, designs medical equipment training and education programs 
for hospital and clinical staff and career development activities for 
the NAIHS; (4) provides engineering and technical assistance and 
consultation on biomedical engineering and telemedicine equipment, 
purchases, modifications, installation and hospital renovation and 
construction projects; (5) coordinates safety and emergency response 
planning activities; (6) ensures compliance with regulatory 
requirements and agencies imposed on IHS such as National Fire 
Protection Agency, Association for the Advancement of Medical 
Instrumentation, JCAHO, Food and Drug Administration, etc.; (7) 
coordinates the modification, installation and design of medical, 
dental, and radiology equipment; (8) assesses and minimizes the 
clinical and physical risk of equipment use on patients and clinical 
staff through equipment maintenance, inspection, testing and quality 
assurance and risk management programs; (9) supports direct patient 
care programs by maintaining and certifying the operation and safety of 
all medical equipment; (10) provides specialized biomedical engineering 
equipment repair for all dental, medical, and radiology equipment; (11) 
coordinates and monitors complex medical and laboratory contracts Area-
wide; (12) provides design and engineering of Picture Archiving and 
Communications System for radiology functions and recommends 
telemedicine applications for the applications for the clinical need 
and mission of IHS; and (13) specifies and designs telecommunications 
requirements for telemedicine to ensure sufficient bandwidth is 
available for the telemedicine programs.

Division of Occupational Health and Safety Management (GFJ36)

    (1) Performs industrial hygiene activities including: Compliance 
surveys of radiographic equipment; assessment of radiation exposure to 
patients; quality assurance assessment of medical imaging processing; 
surveys of occupational exposure to nitrous oxide, ethylene oxide, 
anesthetic gases, mercury and other chemical hazards; evaluation of 
ventilation systems in negative pressure isolation rooms, operating 
rooms and dental operations; ergonomic analyses of workstations and 
high risk occupations; (2) coordinates safety and infection control 
program development and evaluation to include training and consultative 
assistance for safety officers and infection control practitioners; 
compliance reviews of existing policies and procedures; development of 
model policies and

[[Page 69575]]

procedures; safety and infection control program accreditation 
compliance reviews; occupational safety and infection control training 
for service unit staff; (3) coordinates environmental sampling to 
include sample collection and analysis of suspected asbestos-containing 
materials; sample collection and analysis of suspected lead-based 
paint; quantification of indoor air contaminants; (4) conducts 
environmental assessments which include surveys to determine service 
unit compliance with Federal, State and local environmental 
regulations; and (5) develops and coordinates facilities management to 
conduct life safety code (building fire safety component) surveys; 
conduct construction plan reviews for new construction and renovation 
and consult with and advocate for facility managers on life safety code 
compliance issues.

Office of Program Planning and Evaluation (GFJ4)

    Serves as the Area's primary staff element and principal source of 
advice on program planning and evaluation activities to include: (1) 
Strategic planning coordination at the Area level, including planning, 
implementing, and monitoring progress on the achievement of the Area 
Strategic Plan; (2) facilities planning, including the development of 
program justification documents, program of requirements, quarters 
justifications, and other required facilities planning and construction 
documents; (3) staffing requirements and projections for service units, 
facilities projects, and other needs; (4) statistical and 
epidemiological reporting, analysis, and monitoring, and design/
development to compile, analyze, report, and monitor health status, 
morbidity, mortality, patient care, health services, health systems, 
population, demographic, and other health related data for the Area, 
service units, Tribes, States, health programs, universities, 
researchers, and the general public and develop and implement data 
quality improvements and strategies; (5) resource allocation 
methodologies--updating and providing technical support for resource 
allocation to the OAD and the Navajo Area Management Council; (6) other 
program planning and health systems planning activities and technical 
support to the OAD--prepares briefings, issue papers, and other 
analyses for the OAD and assists local entities in health systems 
program development, implantation, and evaluation activities; (7) 
public affairs--coordinates media affairs and IRS clearance on media 
and publications; (8) urban coordination--coordinates and serves as 
liaison between the local urban health program and the IRS HQ office 
and complying with requirements of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
Act provisions; (9) GPRA coordination--coordinates the implementation 
and reporting of Government Performance Results Act performance 
measurements in the Area; and (10) coordination of research and 
evaluation activities--including Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Office of Health Programs (GFJ5)

    (1) Provides consultation and technical assistance to all operating 
and management levels of the NAIHS and Indian Tribes in the design and 
implementation of health management delivery system; (2) provides 
guidance and support to all field activities related to the day to day 
delivery of health care; (3) provides Area-wide leadership in health 
programs in relation to the IHS goals, objectives, policies, and 
priorities; (4) directs the development and implementation of health 
care administration and direct and contract health services, standards, 
quality control and quality assurance, operational planning activities 
and program reviews of health programs; and (5) provides leadership, 
guidance, and coordination of the health manpower and training 
programs.

Division of Clinical Services and Health Promotion (GFJ52)

    (1) Provides direction for the operation of the health delivery 
activities of the NAIHS; (2) handles all logistics associated with the 
conduct of program reviews of service units; (3) advises on assessment 
findings for potential implications for NAIHS policy, plans, programs 
and operations; (4) develops quality of care evaluation criteria, 
standards of care, and guidance for the maintenance of the quality 
assurance programs of the NAIHS; and (5) conducts monitoring activities 
to assess the quality of care provided by the NAIHS.

Behavioral Health

    (1) Plans, develops, and coordinates a comprehensive behavioral 
health program for the NAIHS in relation to stated goals and objectives 
and changing needs; (2) provides liaison with medical, alcohol, social 
services and other IHS disciplines regarding behavioral health issues; 
(3) provides technical consultation to Tribal and Urban groups and 
NAIHS staff; (4) coordinates and plans with service units, State, 
Federal, Tribal, professional, private and community organizations in 
identification, development and use of alternate resources for 
services; and (5) is a central source of information and communication 
on behavioral health needs and services within the NAIHS; (6) plans, 
directs, and evaluates the effective implementation of Service Unit 
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services; (7) assures service unit and all 
contracts or grants for alcohoVsubstance abuse services are responsive 
to and based on an assessment of Indian community needs (that meet the 
physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the service population with 
optimal use of available resources); and (8) coordinates services with 
other IHS and Federal agencies, State, Tribal and community programs.

Dental Health and Performance Improvement

    (1) Develops, coordinates, and evaluates oral health programs; (2) 
establishes standards for staffing, technical procedures, use of 
facilities, and dental contracts; (3) coordinates professional 
recruitment, assignment and development for the Area; and (4) improves 
quality and efficiency of the Dental Program.

Performance Improvement

    (1) Plans, develops and coordinates the Navajo Area Performance 
Improvement Program;
    (2) assists in the promotion and maintenance of the quality of 
patient care and staff training to assure the application of 
appropriate standards for health care provided; and
    (3) advises service units on matters pertaining to accreditation, 
quality assurance and performance improvement programs.

Health Promotion Disease Prevention

    (1) Plans, coordinates, and integrates Health Promotion and Disease 
Prevention Services with other NAIHS programs and services; (2) 
promotes community and preventive health services to improve the health 
and well being of beneficiaries with optimal use of available 
resources; (3) provides Area-wide leadership in preventive health 
services in relation to IHS goals, objectives, policies, and 
priorities; and (4) coordinates the development and implementation of 
preventive health services, standards, quality control and quality 
assurance; operational planning activities and program reviews of 
preventive health programs.

Health Informatics

    (1) Plans, coordinates and assists in implementation of new 
software/hardware packages to support clinical

[[Page 69576]]

care. Assists in deployment of electronic health records and associated 
IT programs and systems will be an essential function; (2) provides a 
liaison function to promote communication and coordination between 
clinical staff, IT staff and administration; (3) analyzes and evaluates 
processes related to patient data flow, patient data quality and 
promotes changes for improved patient care; and (4) provides or 
acquires appropriate knowledge and training for both end users of 
clinical applications as well as IT and administrative staff.

Diabetes and Other Chronic Diseases Branch (GFJ521) .

    (1) Provides medical staff and other health professional/
paraprofessionals state-of-the-art clinical care and treatment disease 
management guidelines emphasizing a team approach and comprehensive 
care; (2) provides materials and information on patient and family 
diabetes education and nutritional counseling; (3) provides technical 
assistance to Tribal and community based programs; (4) provides 
cultural and literacy appropriate diabetes education materials to 
community members and to staff; (5) conducts annual diabetes medical 
chart audit at ITV facilities; (6) networks with other Area and 
National Diabetes Program staff; (7) serves as project officer for IHS 
HQ awarded diabetes grant programs; (8) responsible for success of and 
reports on GPRA elements regarding outcomes of care relating to 
diabetes; and (9) responsible for taking best practice models for 
prevention and treatment of chronic diseases other than diabetes and 
fostering their application in health care settings where care is 
provided by the NAIHS.

Division of Nursing Services (GFJ54)

    (1) Works with service unit Directors of Nurses to determine 
standards, develop, monitor, and evaluate nursing care services for the 
NAIHS; (2) provides professional guidance to service units and 
formulates guides, policies, and procedures; (3) coordinates nursing 
recruitment, assignments, and career development for the Navajo Area; 
and (4) assesses NAIHS professional staffing needs and provides 
consultation and technical assistance in the initiation of Area 
training programs for ancillary personnel and continuing education of 
paraprofessional and professional nursing staff members.

Hospital and Ambulatory Nursing (GFJ5)

    (1) Coordinates the development and evaluation of ambulatory care 
activities; (2) coordinates professional staff recruitment, 
assignments, and development opportunities; (3) develops and 
disseminates appropriate standards for quality assurance; (4) 
collaborates with national health organizations, other IHS Areas, and 
service unit staff to promote and improve ambulatory care services; (5) 
coordinates the development and evaluation of inpatient care 
activities; (6) coordinates professional staff recruitment, 
assignments, and development opportunities; and (7) develops and 
disseminates appropriate standards for quality assurance.

Nurse Recruitment

    (1) Collaborates with NAIHS managers to assess nursing manpower 
needs; (2) assesses the professional staffing needs; and (3) 
coordinates activities with NAIHS and HQ staff to recruit, assign and 
retain nursing care professionals.

Division of Professional Staff and Recruitment (GFJ55)

    (1) Develops the NAIHS program to recruit, assign and retain health 
care professionals; (2) assesse the professional staffing needs and 
coordinates the development of strategies to satisfy these needs, and 
to increase the morale and retention of all professionals; (3) provides 
liaison with commissioned corps activities; and (4) maintains contact 
with related professional societies, educational institutions, and 
other Federal, State and local agencies.

Office of Indian Self-Determination (GFJ6)

    (1) Plans, coordinates and implements all tasks relative to 
contracting activities pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act, Pub. L. 93-638; (2) coordinates and 
effectuates respectful and positive relations with Tribal, State and 
Federal Governments and agencies, and intra-agency departments at local 
and national offices; (3) develops supportive relationships with local 
Tribal Governments and Tribal Organizations (contractors); (4) provides 
advice on the effect and impact of IHS policies, plans, programs and 
operations on Tribal operations and relationships; (5) advises on new 
methods and techniques for Indian community participation in, and 
management of their health programs; (6) provides technical assistance 
in such areas as financial resource management (inter/intra-agency), 
health board and staff training; (7) organizes, collaborates, promotes 
and maintains effective Tribal consultation with NAIHS Health Boards, 
Tribal Government Programs, Tribal Organizations and Tribal Leaders; 
(8) coordinates activities with IHS HQ and NAIHS on relevant Tribal 
activities (9) coordinates, assists and monitors intergovernmental and 
legislative activity and functions; (10) monitors and provides liaison 
for the maintenance of an effective financial management system on all 
aspects of contract funding; (11) responsible for Contracting Officer's 
functions as it relates to Pub. L. 93-638 contract functions for NAIHS 
including contract development, execution, administration, and 
maintenance of contract files; (12) assists, establishes and maintains 
effective contract administration service policies and procedures, 
regulations for all Tribal contracts and grants under Pub. L. 93-638; 
(13) advises and reports pertinent data/information to the Area 
Director, Executive Committee, Pub. L. 93-638 Negotiation Team, service 
unit Chief Executive Officers, Tribal Governments, and Tribal 
Organizations relative to contracting activities; (14) compiles Area 
Director Report to Navajo Nation legislature on a quarterly basis; (15) 
collaborates with Area Program Offices, Pub. L. 93-638 contractors and 
IHS HQ on budget and program issues; (16) provides technical support to 
the Office of the General Counsel on Pub. L. 93-638 issues; (17) 
provides technical assistance and conducts monthly meeting on 
reconciliation and related tasks; and (18) assists with all 
administrative tasks in the operation of all Office of Indian Self-
Determination programs, functions, services and activities.

Contracting Staff

    (1) Assists, establishes and maintains effective contract 
administration service policies and procedures, regulations for all 
Tribal contracts and grants under Pub. L. 93-638; and (2) advises 
service units and the Tribe on matters pertaining to contracting under 
Pub. L. 93-638.

Project Management Staff

    (1) Collaborates with Tribes and promotes effective Tribal 
consultation through liaison with NAIHS Health Boards, Tribal 
Government Programs, and Tribal Leaders; and (2) coordinates activities 
with NAIHS on all Tribal activities.

[[Page 69577]]

Finance and Budget Branch (GFJ61)

    (1) Provides liaison for the maintenance of an effective financial 
management system on all aspects of Title I contract funding; and (2) 
provides technical assistance and consultation to Tribal programs on 
financial matters.

Navajo Area Office Service Units

    Navajo Area Indian Health Service is the primary health care 
provider on the Navajo Indian reservation. The goal of the NAIHS health 
program is to provide for, and improve upon, the efficient delivery of 
high quality, comprehensive health care to the Navajo people. 
Comprehensive health care is provided through inpatient, outpatient and 
community health (preventive) programs centered around 6 hospitals, 7 
health centers and 12 health stations and school clinics. The goal is 
to provide high quality, comprehensive preventive health care to the 
Navajo people, including prenatal care, immunizations, well-baby 
clinics, family planning, health education, and chronic disease follow-
up. Service units in the NAIHS are as follows:
    Chinle Service Unit (GFJA); Crownpoint Service Unit (GFJB); Fort 
Defiance Service Unit (GFJC); Gallup Indian Medical Center (GFJD); 
Kayenta Service Unit (GFJE); Shiprock Service Unit (GFJJ).

    Dated: November 15, 2006.
Robert G. McSwain,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 06-9476 Filed 11-30-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M