# Federal Register #2026-20684

IHS final rule removes obsolete 42 CFR part 136a regulations

**Buyer:** Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services
**Posted:** October 08, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-20684

The Indian Health Service (IHS), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), issued a final rule removing obsolete regulations.
- **Government buyer:** No procurement buyer; the regulatory action was issued by IHS, an agency within HHS.
- **Action:** Removes 42 CFR part 136a, regulations that were duplicative, never implemented by IHS, and previously described as suspended.
- **Continuing requirements:** IHS will continue to follow 42 CFR part 136; the removal does not change its existing practices or authorities.
- **OEMs and vendors:** None identified.
- **Products and services:** None requested; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement opportunity.

### Description

The Indian Health Service (IHS), within the Department of Health and Human Services, issued a final rule removing 42 CFR part 136a. The regulations were duplicative, had never been implemented by IHS, and had been referred to as suspended in a 1999 Federal Register notice. IHS states that removing them will not change its existing practices or authorities; it will continue following 42 CFR part 136. The rule is effective December 7, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20684/removal-of-obsoletesuspended-regulations)