October 6, 2026
Mr. Bergman (for himself, Mr. Cole, and Ms. Davids of Kansas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to remove restrictions on the provision of dental therapist services under the Community Health Aide Program, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Tribal Oral Health Sovereignty Act
.
Sec. 2. Dental therapist services under Community Health Aide Program
Section 119(d) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1616l(d)) is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2) Requirement
In establishing a national program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not reduce the amounts provided for the Community Health Aide Program described in subsections (a) and (b).;
(2)
by striking paragraph (3);
(3)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); and
(4)
by adding at the end the following:
(4) Certification and State law
(A) In general
An individual who is certified as a dental therapist by the Community Health Aide Certification Board established under subsection (b)(3), or by an Indian tribe that has adopted certification standards that meet or exceed the standards of that Board, may provide dental therapist services within the scope of that certification in an Indian health program (as defined in section 108(a)(2)(A)), notwithstanding any provision of State law relating to the licensure, certification, registration, or scope of practice of dental practitioners.
(B) Supervision and scope
Services provided under subparagraph (A) shall be provided in accordance with—
(i)
the standards adopted by the certifying body described in that subparagraph, including standards relating to training, supervision, scope of practice, and continuing education; and
(ii)
the requirements of subsection (b)(7).