Indian Health Program

The mission of the Indian Health Program (IHP) is to improve the health status of American Indians living in urban, rural, and reservation or rancheria communities throughout California. Health services for American Indians are based on a special historical legal responsibility identified in treaties with the U.S. government. California voluntarily accepted this responsibility by adopting Public Law (P.L.) 83-280 in 1954, which allowed for State jurisdiction of Indian affairs. The legislative authority for the program is Health and Safety (H&S) Code, Sections 124575 – 124595 and Title XVII Chapter 3.1, Section 1500-1541. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​