Osage Nation closer to health care self-governance

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (AP) – The Osage Nation is closer to opening its first ever tribally-managed health care facility.

The transition from the federally managed Pawhuska Indian Healthcare Center to tribal governance of the facility begins Oct. 1.

Tribal officials say the self-governance model allows American Indian nations to determine the types of services they want to offer and full management and quality control.

Margie Burkhart, the tribe’s Health Authority Board chair, says by coordinating services that are delivered by individualized programs, the tribe can ensure it has quality comprehensive care.