[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3046-3050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-1030]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Opportunity Number HHS-2005-IHS-SP-0001; CFDA Numbers: 93.123, 
93.971, and 93.972]


Health Professions Preparatory, Health Professions Pregraduate 
and Indian Health Professions Scholarship Programs; Announcement Type: 
Initial

Key Dates:

    Application Deadline: March 28, 2005.
    Application Review: April 11-April 15, 2005.
    Application Notification: Third week of July 2005.
    Anticipated Award Start Date: August 31, 2005.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) is committed to encouraging 
American Indians and Alaska Natives to enter the health professions and 
to assuring the availability of Indian health professionals to serve 
Indians. The IHS is committed to the recruitment of students for the 
following programs:
     The Indian Health Professions Preparatory Scholarships 
authorized by section 103(b)(1) of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
Act (IHCIA), Public Law 94-437, as amended by Public Law 100-713, 
Public Law 102-573, and Public Law 104-313, CFDA 93.123.
     The Indian Health Professions Pregraduate Scholarships 
section 103(b)(2) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), 
Public Law 94-437, as amended by Public Law 100-713, Public Law 102-
573, and Public Law 104-313, CFDA 93.971.
     The Indian Health Professions Scholarship section 104 of 
the IHCIA, Public Law 94-437, as amended by Public Law 100-713, by 
Public Law 102-573, and by Public Law 104-313, CFDA 93.972.
    Full-time and part-time scholarships will be funded for each of the 
three scholarship programs. The Public Health Service (PHS) is 
committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention 
objectives of Healthy People 2010, a PHS-led activity for setting 
priority areas. This program announcement is related to the priority 
area of Education and Community-Based Programs. Potential applicants 
may obtain a copy of Healthy People 2010, (Full Report; Stock No. 017-
001-00474-0) or Healthy People 2010 (Summary Report; Stock No. 017-001-
00473-1) through the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325 (Telephone (202) 783-3238).

II. Award Information

    Awards under this initiative will be administered using the 
institutional grant mechanism of the IHS.
    Estimated Funds Available: An estimated $7.8 million will be 
available for FY 2005 awards.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: Approximately 200 awards will be made 
under the Health Professions Preparatory and Pregraduate Scholarship 
Programs for Indians. The awards are for 10 months in duration and the 
average award to a full-time student is approximately $23,000. An 
estimated 340 awards will be made under the Indian Health Scholarship 
(Professions) Program. The awards are for 12 months in duration and the 
average award to a full-time student is for approximately $25,000. In 
FY 2005, an estimated $3,410,000 is available for continuation awards, 
and an estimated $4,485,000 is available for new awards.
    Project Period--The project period will vary based on the type of 
scholarship for which the grantee applies.

[[Page 3047]]

    Max Project Period--The project period for the Health Professions 
Preparatory Scholarship support is limited to 2 years for full-time 
students and the part-time equivalent of 2 years, not to exceed 4 years 
for part-time students. The project period for the Health Professions 
Pregraduate Scholarship Support is limited to 4 years for full-time 
students and the part-time equivalent of 4 years, not to exceed 8 years 
for part-time students. The Indian Health Professions Scholarship 
support is limited to 4 years for full-time students and the part-time 
equivalent of 4 years, not to exceed 8 years for part-time students.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    The Health Professions Preparatory Scholarship awards are made to 
American Indians (state recognized Tribal members, federally recognized 
Tribal members, and first and second degree descendants of Tribal 
members), or Alaska Natives who:
     Have successfully completed high school education or high 
school equivalency; and
     Have been accepted for enrollment in a compensatory, pre-
professional general education course or curriculum.
    The Health Professions Pregraduate Scholarship awards are made to 
American Indians (state recognized Tribal members, federally recognized 
Tribal members, and first and second degree Tribal members), or Alaska 
Natives who:
     Have successfully completed high school education or high 
school equivalency; and
     Have been accepted for enrollment or are enrolled in an 
accredited pregraduate program leading to a baccalaureate degree in 
pre-medicine or pre-dentistry.
    The Indian Health Scholarship (Professions) may be awarded only to 
an individual who is a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe as 
provided by section 4(c), and 4(d) of the IHCIA. Membership in a Tribe 
recognized only by a state does not meet this statutory requirement. To 
receive an Indian Health Scholarship (Professions) an otherwise 
eligible individual must be enrolled in an appropriately accredited 
school and pursuing a course of study in a health profession as defined 
by section 4(n) of the IHCIA.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    The Scholarship Program does not require matching funds or cost 
sharing to participate in the competitive grant process.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Applicants are responsible for contacting and requesting an 
application packet from their IHS Area coordinator. They are listed on 
the IHS Web site at http://www.ihs.gov/JobsCareerDevelop/DHPS/Scholarships/SCoordinator_Directory.asp. This information is listed 
below. Please review the following list to identify the appropriate IHS 
Area coordinator for your state. Application packets may be obtained by 
calling or writing to the following individuals listed below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 IHS area office and States / locality      Scholarship coordinator /
                 served                              address
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aberdeen Area IHS: Iowa, Nebraska,       Ms. Kim Lawrence, IHS Area
 North Dakota, South Dakota.              Coordinator, Aberdeen Area
                                          IHS, 115 4th Avenue, SE.,
                                          Aberdeen, SD 57401, Tele:
                                          (605) 226-7532.
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium:  Ms. Evangelyn Dotomain, IHS
 Alaska.                                  Area Coordinator, 4000
                                          Ambassador Drive, Anchorage,
                                          Alaska 99508, Tele: (907) 729-
                                          1913.
Albuquerque Area IHS: Colorado, New      Ms. Arnissa Vallo, IHS Area
 Mexico.                                  Coordinator, Albuquerque Area
                                          IHS, 5300 Homestead Road, NE.,
                                          Albuquerque, NM 87110, Tele: 1-
                                          800-382-3027.
Bemidji Area IHS: Illinois, Indiana,     Mr. Tony Buckanaga, IHS Area
 Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin.          Coordinator, Bemidji Area IHS,
                                          522 Minnesota Avenue, NW.,
                                          Room 209, Bemidji, MN 56601,
                                          Tele: (218) 444-0486.
Billings Area IHS: Montana, Wyoming....  Mr. Sandy Macdonald, IHS Area
                                          Coordinator, Billings Area
                                          IHS, Area Personnel Office,
                                          P.O. Box 36600, 2900 4th
                                          Avenue, North, Billings, MT
                                          59103, Tele: (406) 247-7210.
California Area IHS: California, Hawaii  Ms. Mona Celli, IHS Area
                                          Coordinator, California Area
                                          IHS, 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 7-
                                          100, Sacramento, CA 95814,
                                          Tele: (916) 930-3981.
Nashville Area IHS: Alabama, Arkansas,   Ms. Arnissa Vallo, IHS Area
 Connecticut, Delaware, Florida,          Coordinator, Nashville Area
 Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,     IHS, 5300 Homestead Road, NE.,
 Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi,    Albuquerque, NM 87110, Tele: 1-
 New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,     800-382-3027.
 North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
 Rhode Island, South Carolina,
 Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West
 Virginia, District of Columbia.
Navajo Area IHS: Arizona, New Mexico,    Ms. Roselinda Allison, IHS Area
 Utah.                                    Coordinator, Navajo Area IHS,
                                          P.O. Box 9020, Window Rock, AZ
                                          86515, Tele: (928) 871-1358.
Oklahoma City Area IHS: Kansas,          Mr. Jim Ingram, IHS Area
 Missouri, Oklahoma.                      Coordinator, Oklahoma City
                                          Area IHS, HC 67, Box 132,
                                          Marietta, OK 73448, Tele:
                                          (580) 276-5983.
Phoenix Area IHS: Arizona, Nevada, Utah  Mr. Al Peyketewa, IHS Area
                                          Coordinator, Phoenix Area IHS,
                                          Two Renaissance Square, 40
                                          North Central Avenue, Suite
                                          510, Phoenix, AZ
                                          85004, Tele: (602) 364-5252.
Portland Area IHS: Idaho, Oregon,        Ms. Athena Bezahaloni, IHS Area
 Washington.                              Coordinator, Portland Area
                                          IHS, 1220 SW. Third Area IHS,
                                          Rm. 440e, Portland, OR 97204-
                                          2892, Tele: (503) 326-2625.
Tucson Area IHS: Arizona, Texas........  Ms. Reanetta Siquieros, IHS
                                          Area Coordinator, Tucson Area
                                          IHS, 7900 South ``J.'' Stock
                                          Rd., Tucson, AZ 85746, Tele:
                                          (520) 295-2440.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Each applicant will be responsible for submitting the completed 
application (Forms IHS-856-1, through 856-8) to their IHS Area 
coordinator. Electronic applications are not being accepted for this 
cycle. The application will be considered complete if the following 
documents are included.
     Application Checklist.

[[Page 3048]]

     Original Signed Complete Application Form IHS-856 
(Continuation Students--Data Sheet).
     Letter of Acceptance from College/Proof of Application to 
Health Professions Program.
     Official Transcripts for All Colleges.
     Cumulative GPA: Applicants Calculation.
     Documents for Indian Eligibility.
    A. If you are a member of a federally recognized Tribe (recognized 
by the Secretary of the Interior), provide evidence of membership such 
as:
    (1) Certification of Tribal enrollment by the Secretary of the 
Interior, acting through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA 
Certification: Form 4432--Category A or D, which ever is applicable); 
or
    (2) In the absence of BIA certification, documentation that you 
meet requirements of Tribal membership as prescribed by the charter, 
articles of incorporation or other legal instrument of the Tribe and 
have been officially designated as a Tribal member as evidenced by an 
accompanying document signed by an authorized Tribal official, or
    (3) Other evidence of Tribal membership satisfactory to the 
Secretary of the Interior.
    B. If you are a member of a Tribe terminated since 1940 or a State 
recognized Tribe, provide official documentation that you meet the 
requirements of Tribal membership as prescribed by the charter, 
articles of incorporation or other legal instrument of the Tribe and 
have been officially designated as a Tribal member as evidenced by an 
accompanying document signed by an authorized Tribal official; or other 
evidence, satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior, that you are a 
member of the Tribe. In addition, if the terminated or state recognized 
Tribe of which you are a member is not on a list of such Tribes 
published by the Secretary of the Interior in the Federal Register, you 
must submit an official signed document that the Tribe has been 
terminated since 1940 or is recognized by the state in which the Tribe 
is located in accordance with the law of that state.
    C. If you are not a Tribal member but are a natural child or 
grandchild of a Tribal member, you must submit: (1) Evidence of that 
fact, e.g., your birth certificate and/or your parent's birth 
certificate showing the name of the Tribal member: and (2) evidence of 
your parent's or grandparent's Tribal membership in accordance with 
paragraphs A and B. The relationship to the Tribal member must be 
clearly documented. Applications that do not provide the required 
documentation will be deemed incomplete and will be returned to the 
applicant.

    Note: If you meet the criteria of B or C you are eligible only 
for the Preparatory or Pregraduate Scholarships.

     Two Faculty/Employer Evaluations with original signature.
     Reasons for Requesting Scholarship.
     Delinquent Debt Form.
     Course Curriculum Verification with signature.
     Acknowledgment Card.
     Section 103/103P Agreement Signed and Dated (Form IHS-
817).
     Curriculum for Major.
    Health Professions Applicants Only:
     Section 104 Contract Signed and Dated (Form IHS-818).
     Health Related Experience (MPH only)--Optional Form.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Application Receipt Date: The application deadline for both new and 
continuing applicants is Monday, February 28, 2005. Applications shall 
be considered as meeting the deadline if they are received by the 
appropriate IHS Area Coordinator on the deadline date or postmarked on 
or before the deadline date. Applicants should request a legibly dated 
U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated receipt from a 
commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private metered postmarks 
will not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. Applications will 
not be considered for funding. Once the application is received, the 
applicant will receive an ``Acknowledge of Receipt of Application'' 
(IHS-815) card that is included in the application packet.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

    No more than 5% of available funds will be used for part-time 
scholarships this fiscal year. Students are considered part-time if 
they are enrolled for a minimum of 6 hours of instruction and are not 
considered in full-time status by their college/university. 
Documentation must be received from part-time applicants that their 
school and course curriculum allows less than full-time status. Both 
part-time and full-time scholarship awards will be made in accordance 
with 42 CFR parts 36.320, 36.370 and 36.330 incorporated in the 
application materials; and for Health Professions Scholarship Program 
for Indians.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    Applicants are responsible for contacting and requesting an 
application packet from their IHS Area Coordinator. Electronic 
applications are not being accepted for this cycle.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    Applications will be reviewed and scored with the following 
criteria:
     Need of the IHS. Applicants are considered for scholarship 
awards based on their desired career goals and how these goals relate 
to current Indian health manpower needs. Applications for each health 
career category are reviewed and ranked separately.
     Academic Performance (40 points). Applicants are rated 
according to their academic performance as evidenced by transcripts and 
faculty evaluations. In cases where a particular applicant's school has 
a policy not to rank students academically, faculty members are asked 
to provide a personal judgement of the applicant's achievement. Health 
Professions applicants with a cumulative GPA below 2.0 are not eligible 
to apply.
     Faculty/Employer Recommendations (30 points). Applicants 
are rated according to evaluations by faculty members and current and/
or former employers regarding the applicant's potential in the chosen 
health related professions.
     Stated Reasons for Asking for the Scholarship and Stated 
Career Goals (30 points). Applicants must provide a brief written 
explanation of reasons for asking for the scholarship and of their 
career goals. The applicant's narrative will be judged on how well it 
is written and content.
     Applicants who are closest to graduation or completion are 
awarded first. For example, senior and junior applicants under the 
Health Professions Pregraduate Scholarship receive funding before 
freshmen and sophomores.
     Priority Categories. The following is a list of health 
professions that will be funded in each scholarship program in FY 2005.
     Health Professions Preparatory Scholarships.
    A. Pre-Dietetics.
    B. Pre-Engineering (Environmental Health).
    C. Pre-Medical Technology.
    D. Pre-Nursing.
    E. Pre-Pharmacy.
    F. Pre-Physical Therapy (Jr and Sr undergraduate years).
    G. Pre-Social Work (Jr and Sr undergraduate years).
     Health Professions Pregraduate Scholarships.

[[Page 3049]]

    A. Pre-Dentistry.
    B. Pre-Medicine.
     Indian Health Scholarships (Professions).
    A. Associate Degree Nurse.
    B. Chemical Dependency Counseling: Baccalaureate and Masters level.
    C. Clinical Psychology: Ph.D. only.
    D. Counseling Psychology: Ph.D. only.
    E. Dental Hygiene: B.S.
    F. Dentistry: D.D.S. or D.M.D.
    G. Diagnostic Radiology Technology: Certificate, Associate, and 
B.S.
    H. Dietitian: B.S.
    I. Engineering (Environmental Health): B.S.
    J. Environmental Health (Sanitarian): B.S.
    K. Health Care Administration: Masters Level Only.
    L. Health Education: Masters Level Only.
    M. Health Records: R.H.I.T and R.H.I.A.
    N. Injury Prevention Specialist.
    O. Medical Technology: B.S.
    P. Medicine: Allopathic and Osteopathic.
    Q. Nurse: B.S.
    R. Nurse: Nurse Anesthetist
    *(Priority consideration will be given to Registered Nurses 
employed by the Indian Health Service; in a program assisted under a 
contract entered into under the Indian Self-Determination Act; or in a 
program assisted under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
Act.)
    S. Optometry.
    T. Pharmacy: Pharm D.
    U. Physician Assistant.
    V. Physical Therapy: M.S. and D.P.T.
    W. Podiatry: D.P.M.
    X. Public Health: M.P.H. only (Applicants must be enrolled or 
accepted in a school of public health).
    Y. Public Health Nutrition: Masters level only.
    Z. Respiratory Therapy: Associate.
    AA. Social Work: Masters level only (Concentration in Mental 
Health).
    BB. Ultrasonography (Prerequisite: Diagnostic Radiology 
Technology).

2. Review and Selection Process

    The applications will be reviewed & scored by the IHS Scholarship 
Programs' Application Review Committee appointed by the IHS. Each 
reviewer will not be allowed to review an application from his/her area 
or his/her own Tribe. Each application will be reviewed by 3 reviewers. 
The average score of the three reviews provide the final Ranking Score 
for each applicant. To determine the ranking of each applicant, these 
scores are sorted from the highest to the lowest within each 
scholarship, health discipline, date of graduation, and score. If 
several students have the same date of graduation and score within the 
same discipline, computer ranking list will randomly sort and will not 
be sorted by alphabetical name. Selections for recommendations to the 
Director, IHS, are then made from the top of each ranking list to the 
extent that funds allocated by the IHS among the three scholarships are 
available for obligation.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Applicants will be notified in writing during the first week of 
July, 2005. An Award Letter will be issued to successful applicants. 
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing, which will include 
a brief explanation of the reasons the application was not successful 
and provide the name of the IHS official to contact if more information 
is desired.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Awards for the Indian Health Scholarships (Professions) will be 
made in accordance with 42 CFR 36.330. Recipients shall incur a service 
obligation prescribed under section 338A of the Public Health Service 
Act (42 U.S.C. 254l) which shall be met by service:
    (1) In the Indian Health Service;
    (2) In a program conducted under a contract or compact entered into 
under the Indian Self-Determination Act and Education Assistance Act 
(Public Law 93-638) and its amendments.
    (3) In a program assisted under Title V of the Indian Health Care 
Improvement Act (Public Law 94-437) and its amendments; and
    (4) In private practice of his or her profession, if the practice 
(a) is situated in a health professional shortage area, designated in 
regulations promulgated by the Secretary and (b) addresses the health 
care needs of a substantial number of Indians as determined by the 
Secretary in accordance with guidelines of the Service.
    Pursuant to the Indian Health Amendments of 1992 (Public Law 104-
313), a recipient of an Indian Health Professions Scholarship may, at 
the election of the recipient, meet his/her active duty service 
obligation prescribed under section 338A of the Public Health Service 
Act (42 U.S.C. 254l) by a program specified in options (1)-(4) above 
that:
    (i) Is located on the reservation of the Tribe in which the 
recipient is enrolled; or
    (ii) Serves the Tribe in which the recipient is enrolled.
    In summary, all recipients of the Indian Health Scholarship (Health 
Professions) are reminded that recipients of this scholarship incur a 
service obligation. Moreover, this obligation shall be served at a 
facility determined by the Director, IHS, consistent with IHCIA, Public 
Law 94-437, as amended by Public Law 100-713, and Public Law 102-573.

3. Reporting

    Scholarship Program Minimum Academic Requirements. It is the policy 
of the IHS that a scholarship recipient awarded under the Health 
Professions Scholarship Program of the Indian Health Care Improvement 
Act maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) each semester/
quarter and be a full-time student (minimum of 12 credit hours 
considered by your school as full-time). A recipient of a scholarship 
under the health Professions Pre-graduate and Health Professions 
Preparatory Scholarship authority must maintain a good academic 
standing each semester/quarter and be a full time student (minimum of 
12 credit hours or the number of credit hours considered by your school 
as full-time). In addition to the two requirements stated above, a 
Health Professions Scholarship program grantee must be enrolled in an 
approved/accredited school for a health professions degree. Part-time 
students for the three scholarship programs must also maintain a 2.0 
cumulative GPA and must take at least 6 credit hours each semester/
quarter but less than the number of hours considered full-time by your 
school. Scholarship grantees must be approved for part-time status at 
the time of scholarship award. Scholarship grantees may not change from 
part-time status to full-time status or vice versa in the same academic 
year. The following reports must be sent to the IHS Scholarship Program 
at the identified time frame. Each scholarship grantee will be provided 
with an IHS Scholarship Handbook where the below needed reports are 
located. If a scholarship grantee fails to submit these reports as 
required, they will be ineligible for continuation of scholarship 
support and scholarship award payments will be discontinued.
A. Recipient's Enrollment and Initial Progress Report
    Within thirty (30) days from the beginning of each semester or 
quarter, scholarship grantees must submit a Recipient's Enrollment and 
Initial Progress Report (Form F-02 of the student handbook).

[[Page 3050]]

B. Transcripts
    Within thirty (30) days from the end of each academic period, i.e., 
semester, quarter, or summer session, scholarship grantees must submit 
an Official Transcript showing the results of the classes taken during 
that period.
C. Notification of Academic Problem/Change
    If at any time during the semester/quarter, scholarship grantees 
are advised to reduce the number of credit hours for which they are 
enrolled below the minimum of 12 (or the number of hours considered by 
their school as full time) for a full-time student or at least 6 hours 
for part-time students; or if they experience academic problems, they 
must submit this report (page F-04 of student handbook).
D. Change of Status
     Change of Academic Status. Scholarship Grantees must 
immediately notify the IHS Area Coordinator if they are placed on 
academic probation, dismissed from school, or voluntarily withdraw for 
any reason (personal or medical).
     Change of Health Discipline. Scholarship Grantees may not 
change from the approved IHS Scholarship Program health discipline 
during the school year. If an unapproved change is made, scholarship 
payments will be discontinued.
     Change in Graduation Date. Any time that a change occurs 
in a scholarship grantee's expected graduation date, they must notify 
their IHS Area Coordinator immediately in writing. Justification must 
be attached from the school advisor.

VII. Agency Contacts

    Please address application inquiries to the appropriate IHS Area 
Coordinator. Other programmatic inquiries may be addressed to Mr. Jess 
Brien, Chief, Scholarship Branch, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson 
Avenue, Suite 120, Rockville, Maryland 20852; Telephone (301) 443-6197. 
(This is not a toll free number.) For grants information, contact Mr. 
Bernard Covers Up, Grants Scholarship Coordinator, Division of Grants 
Policy, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Avenue, Suite 120, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852; Telephone (301) 443-5204. (This is not a 
toll-free number.)

VIII. Other Information

    Regulations at 42 CFR part 36.304 provide that the IHS shall, from 
time to time, publish a list of health professions eligible for 
consideration for the award of Indian Health Professions Preparatory 
and Pregraduate Scholarships and Indian Health Scholarships 
(Professions). Section 104(b)(1) of the IHCIA, as amended by the Indian 
Health Care Amendment of 1988, Public Law 100-713, authorizes the IHS 
to determine specific health professions for which Indian Health 
Scholarships will be awarded.
    Interested individuals are reminded that the list of eligible 
health and allied health professions is effective for applicants for 
the 2005-2006 academic year. These priorities will remain in effect 
until superseded. Applicants for health and allied health professions 
not on the above priority list will be considered pending the 
availability of funds and dependent upon the availability of qualified 
applicants in the priority areas.

    Dated: January 12, 2005.
Charles W. Grim,
Assistant Surgeon General, Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 05-1030 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
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