Functions of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA):
- Advises HHS on state, local, and tribal issues.
- advises Departmental officials on state, local, and tribal perspectives regarding HHS policies and programs.
- facilitates the coordination and implementation of Administration and Secretarial initiatives at the headquarters, regional, state, tribal, local and community levels.
- formulates and recommends Department policies on the delivery of services to states, territories and communities.
- ensures that HHS services are consistent in approach on state, local, and tribal levels of government.
- Facilitates communication between HHS and state, local, and tribal governments.
- serves as the Departmental liaison to state, local, and tribal governments and the organizations that represent them.
- represent the Secretary and Deputy Secretary in communications with intergovernmental officials of other Federal agencies, officials of state, tribal and local governments, and non-governmental organizations, including national advocacy groups and national associations that represent state, local, and tribal governments.
- Coordinates the HHS Regional Offices.
- directs the Regional Directors (RDs) and their offices in their role in planning, development and implementation of Departmental policy.
- serves as point of contact between the SRRs and the Regional Offices.
Functions of the Director of IEA:
- advises the Secretary and senior HHS staff on the intergovernmental aspects of HHS policies, programs, and initiatives.
- coordinates the Department’s strategies to strengthen intergovernmental relationships and works with governors, state legislative leaders, county and city officials, and tribal leaders to improve multi-level coordination of Health and Human Services’ programs.
Functions of the Secretary’s Regional Directors:
- represent the Department in direct official dealings with state, local, and tribal governmental officials and offices, as well as non-government organizations.
