Passed: Cortez Masto Bill to Extend Reporting Deadline for Emergency Tribal Health Care

Office of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Oct 5, 2026

Describes bipartisan legislation to extend the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care from non-IHS facilities. The bill would increase the deadline from 72 hours to 15 days for most patients. Older adults and people with disabilities would continue to have a 30-day deadline as the current law allows.

Emergency department and urgent care services · Legislation and regulations · Older adults · People with disabilities · Tribal communities