Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary, acting through the Service, is authorized to provide directly, or enter into contracts or compacts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.) [1] with Indian tribes or tribal organizations for, the delivery of long-term care (including health care services associated with long-term care) provided in a facility to Indians.
Each agreement under paragraph (1) shall provide for the sharing of staff or other services between the Service or a tribal health program and a long-term care or related facility owned and operated (directly or through a contract or compact under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.)) 1 by the Indian tribe or tribal organization.
Any nursing facility provided for under this section shall meet the requirements for nursing facilities under section 1396r of title 42.
The Secretary shall provide such technical and other assistance as may be necessary to enable applicants to comply with this section.
The Secretary shall encourage the use of existing facilities that are underused, or allow the use of swing beds, for long-term or similar care.