IHS directly operates 28 acute care hospitals that provide free inpatient care to eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives. Although IHS requires its hospitals to be Medicare certified or accredited by an approved organization, reports of inadequate health care services are a subject of concern. We will assess IHS's efforts to monitor and oversee its Federally operated hospitals and describe challenges that affect IHS hospitals and their ability to provide quality care and comply with Medicare standards. Read the Work Plan Summary