New ED Director and Sleep Study Contractor Reported to BBGH Board at December Meeting
Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 24, 2025, in the Alliance Room. Board members reviewed and approved the consent calendar, which included the financial report, policy updates, and credentialing.
Quality and Safety Report
Quality Management Specialist Summer Gonzalez reported BBGH’s new accreditation contractor, DNV (Det Norske Veritas), will conduct its first survey in early 2026. This survey will be the first in a four-year cycle designed to guide BBGH towards full accreditation. Hospital accreditation is required for participation in federal programs such as the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Gonzalez noted that the hospital’s laboratory, accredited separately, will be surveyed by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA). She also announced that BBGH will begin offering home and in-hospital sleep studies through a new contractor, Rural Sleep. The sleep lab will pursue accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Gonzalez said, “All of this survey activity is a large undertaking, especially while learning new standards and structures, so thank you to all of our staff who are continuously working to make these surveys a successful transition.”
Medical Staff Reports
Chief of Staff Dr. Narjes reported an increase in cases of Influenza A, COVID-19, and parainfluenza virus (croup). Staff are preparing for an increase in the occurrence of respiratory illnesses as the season progresses. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Shelmadine announced the hiring Dr. Jennifer Case as Emergency Medical Director and shared that BBGH continues to see growing interest from prospective physicians. Chief Nursing Officer Erica Lauder reviewed the October’s Nurses’ Fair and updates to policies regarding visiting physicians in the specialty clinic.
Executive Staff Report
Chief Operations Officer Gabe Behling reported that the Meditech optimization project is now 92% complete. He also noted that a cybersecurity assessment is scheduled and discussed the future need for a formal IT committee. Behling also reviewed BBGH’s participation in the 340B program and its potential impact on the hospital and informed the board of upcoming improvement projects to the hospital’s infrastructure.
Chief Financial Officer Kim Morrow reported an improved cash position and strong October financial performance. Morrow also noted that the finance department will continue to closely analyze the budget and develop key performance indicators for the team.
Employee Recognition
The Employee of the Month for November, Staff Nurse Amy Osborn, LPN, was recognized at the meeting. The board was also introduced to new employees including Occupational Therapist Sara Lutz and Phlebotomist Kaylee Willoughby.
The meeting moved into executive session at 12:40 PM. The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025, at noon in the Alliance Room. The public is welcome to attend. Box Butte General Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.