25 USC 1621l – Patient travel costs
(a) Definition of qualified escort
In this section, the term “qualified escort” means—
(1) an adult escort (including a parent, guardian, or other family member) who is required because of the physical or mental condition, or age, of the applicable patient;
(2) a health professional for the purpose of providing necessary medical care during travel by the applicable patient; or
(3) other escorts, as the Secretary or applicable Indian Health Program determines to be appropriate.
(b) Provision of funds
Terms Used In 25 USC 1621l
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- vehicle: includes every description of carriage or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on land. See 1 USC 4
The Secretary, acting through the Service and Tribal Health Programs, is authorized to provide funds for the following patient travel costs, including qualified escorts, associated with receiving health care services provided (either through direct or contract care or through a contract or compact under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.)) 1 under this chapter—
(1) emergency air transportation and non-emergency air transportation where ground transportation is infeasible;
(2) transportation by private vehicle (where no other means of transportation is available), specially equipped vehicle, and ambulance; and
(3) transportation by such other means as may be available and required when air or motor vehicle transportation is not available.