Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Board of Trustees met on August 25, 2025, in the Alliance Room. Board members reviewed and approved the consent calendar, which included the financial report, policy updates, and credentialing requests.
Statement of Support for Guard and Reserve
Interim CEO Dr. Brian Shelmadine introduced a statement of support for the Guard and Reserve by BBGH. The proclamation states,
“We recognize the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our Nation and the well-being of our communities. In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and women of the Guard and Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society. If these volunteer forces are to continue to serve our Nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our national security. Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that: We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. We appreciate the values, leadership, and unique skills Service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning Service members and Veterans. We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crises, and in war.”
Quality and Safety Report
Quality Management Specialist Summer Gonzalez reported that the Behavioral Health FY25 Audit was returned with 100% compliance. She recognized the contracted therapists who provide services at BBGH including Christine Karell, Kari Narjes, Shanna Muhr, Samantha Gilkerson, and Jordan Jerke. Gonzalez and Chief Nursing Officer Erica Lauder also attended a Compliance and Ethics Training, and will review and update the hospital’s program accordingly.
Information Technology and Revenue Cycle
Chief Operations Officer Gabe Behling reported that the Meditech/Tegria Optimization plan is 75% complete. Meditech issued a concession payment to BBGH in response to challenges experienced during the implementation of the electronic health record (EHR) system. Tegria will continue to assess the IT infrastructure and make recommendations for improving workflows. The board approved the request to add two biller and two coder positions to further improve the revenue cycle. These additions are expected to reduce claim delays and strengthen financial performance.
Employee Recognition
The Employee of the Month for August, Staff Nurse Kassidy Rozmiarek, RN, was recognized at the meeting. The Board was also introduced to new employees including Rehab Technician Kassandra Niemeier, Physical Therapist Assistant Joshua Willhoughby, Physical Therapist Rebecca Higgins, and Staff Nurse James Vermilion.
The meeting moved into executive session at 12:44 PM. The next board meeting is scheduled for September 29, 2025, at noon in the Alliance Room. The public is welcome to attend.