RAPID CITY –The Oyate Health Center is currently looking for individuals interested in representing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe on the Oyate Health Center’s Governing Board. 

On February 26, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe formally authorized the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board to assume complete management responsibilities of the Rapid City Service Unit from the federal government.  

For the last two years, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board has operated the Oyate Health Center on behalf of the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes. 

Rosebud voted to join its sister tribes in December in taking control of its people’s healthcare future in Pennington County using the 638 Self-Determination process.  

The addition of Rosebud to the 638-contract highlighted the absence of an individual representing the Rosebud Sioux Tribe on the Oyate Health Center governing board. 

The Oyate Health Center Governing Board comprises subject matter experts who provide policy, administrative, and executive direction for the Oyate Health Center in Rapid City. The 8-member Board also oversees the management of the facility’s comprehensive health care services.

The Governing Board consists of a representative of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Chairman of the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board or their appointee, a member of the Mni Luzahan Wicozoni Advisory Committee, the CEO of the Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board, Chief Medical Officer of the Oyate Health Center, and the Chief Health Administrator at the Oyate Health Center. 

Role of the Oyate Health Center Governing Board:

The Governing Board makes recommendations to the GPTLHB and GPTLHB’s Chief Executive Officer OHC Chief Health Administrator regarding policy, fiscal, and health care matters. 

In carrying out their duties, the Governing Body will focus on six main areas of responsibility, including: 

Assist with recruitment of the OHC Chief Health Administrator and other administrative and health program staff and contractors; participates in short and long-term planning for the OHC and other primary and community-based service programs based on the GPTLHB’s adopted mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals. 

Assist with ensuring patient care is of high quality, utilizing continuous quality management and improvement model with approved vital performance indicator metrics. 

Oversees the establishment of an organized medical staff and reviewing and approving the bylaws and rules of the medical staff, including credentialing and privileging of health care providers. 

The Board is also responsible for monitoring and advising regarding the expenses, revenue, and other resources and the overall well-being of the Oyate Health Center. 

And ensuring Governing Body self-evaluations for education and development. 

Performing functions as necessary to ensure compliance with GPTLHB Resolutions, applicable federal and state law, accreditation standards, the Indian Self- Determination Act Contract, and to fulfill the responsibilities listed in Duties and coordinating with GPTLHB committees. 

And will maintain strong, positive working relationships with management, external and internal auditors, counsel, and other consultants and advisors. 

Candidates will be vetted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, but those interested in the position can submit a resume and cover letter to Zintkala Eiring at [email protected].  

*This individual must have experience or training in health care, business, finance, law, or a related field.