Dr. Yvette Roubideaux’s official capacity with IHS has come to a close, at least for now, as her nomination to serve a second 4-year term as IHS director has stagnated in the Senate.
Related: IHS Hiring More Veterans
HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell appointed Dr. Roubideaux Senior Advisor to the Secretary for American Indians and Alaska Natives, a new position not listed in the HHS organizational chart. This appointment comes 1 week after a provision in a 2009 appropriations act was cited that limits the amount of time a nominee can serve in an acting position for which he or she is nominated.
Robert G. McSwain, MPA, has assumed duty as acting director of IHS, a position he served prior to Dr. Roubideaux’s appointment in 2009.
Related: Sebelius and Roubideaux Confirmed for HHS Positions (2009)
“I have full confidence in [Mr. McSwain’s] ability to lead the agency while my nomination is in progress,” Dr. Roubideaux stated in a February 10, 2015, e-mail correspondence with IHS staff.
In May 2013, President Obama nominated Dr. Roubideaux to serve a second term as IHS director, but the Democratic-controlled Senate did not reconfirm her. HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for Human Services Mark Weber told the Indian Country Today Media Network that Dr. Roubideaux was not experiencing a demotion. “In fact,” Mr. Weber explained, “it provides Dr. Roubideaux a broader portfolio of initiatives and policies that impact Indian country.”
“A position close to the secretary, such as an advisor, is an incredible position of power,” he added.