Category Archives: News

GANADO, Ariz. — Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) proudly announced today that its 2026 Joint Commission Triennial Survey marks a significant milestone in its ongoing journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization. The survey resulted in zero high-risk findings across four programs along with a 45 percent reduction in findings for its Critical Access Hospital program compared to 2023.

Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the Critical Access Hospital, Rural Health Clinic, Patient-Centered Medical Home, and Home Care – Durable Medical Equipment programs between April 30 and May 15, 2026.

“At SMH, quality and patient safety are our top priorities,” said Melinda White, CEO. “We are proud of this successful survey, which reflects the dedication of our entire team and strengthens our commitment to providing the highest standard of care to our relatives and community. This allows us to continue advancing our PCMH model and quality health care we deliver every day.”

Chief Quality Officer Lori Livingston echoed White’s sentiments and highlighted the hospital’s ongoing efforts. “We began our journey to become a High Reliability Organization in 2023 by strengthening policies, procedures, and safety initiatives across the organization,” she said. “These efforts have created a strong culture of safety, which is reflected in the results of this survey and in how we deliver healthcare.”

“We are especially pleased to have earned new Joint Commission accreditations for our Rural Health Clinic and Home Care – Durable Medical Equipment programs, along with certification for our Patient-Centered Medical Home,” Livingston added. “The RHC survey, in particular, is one that very few organizations complete, and we are grateful to have reached this important achievement.”

For more information about The Joint Commission, visit www.jointcommission.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205

GANADO, Ariz. — Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) today applauded Governor Katie Hobbs for signing House Bill 2177 into law on April 13. The bill authorizes the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Director to seek federal approval of a Section 1115 waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for continued Medicaid payments for health services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) members at Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal health facilities. If approved, the waiver will ensure Medicaid reimbursements for optional benefits that may be reduced or eliminated from the state plan on or after September 2010.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby (Majority Whip), worked closely with SMH to educate legislators on the 100% Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage tribal and IHS facilities receive per federal law.

“We thank Representative Julie Willoughby for championing this bill and for her strong leadership. We also commend the strong bipartisan support and the advocacy efforts of tribal leaders, health organizations, and community members who helped advance this important legislation.” said Melinda White, CEO of Sage Memorial Hospital. “By codifying the annual waiver application process, Arizona is safeguarding reimbursement for care delivered through tribal and IHS systems.”

During the legislative process, White testified before the House Health and Human Services Committee, sharing a powerful patient story of an individual who regained access to dental services, vision care, and ongoing diabetes management through AHCCCS-supported services at tribal facilities.

Approximately 65% of SMH’s third-party revenue comes from AHCCCS, stressing the program’s importance to the hospital’s ability to serve patients on the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas.

“This proactive, forward-thinking bill will protect and preserve Medicaid reimbursement for all Tribal and IHS facilities across the entire state of Arizona. The next step is to advocate to our federal partners at CMS.” said Kim Russell, Policy Advisor, SMH.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205

TSE BONITO, New Mexico – Executive leaders from Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH), representing the Association of Indians for Self-Determination in Healthcare (638 Association), participated in the Navajo Nation Council’s Health Education and Human Services Committee (HEHSC) work session on Mar. 23.

The session focused on advancing tribal self-determination in healthcare delivery, with in-depth discussions on long-term contracts under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA, Public Law 93-638) and the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program.

The meeting featured presentations from Indian Health Service (IHS) Navajo Area Office staff and representatives from Title I contracting and Title V compacting organizations. Melinda White, Chief Executive Officer of SMH, presented on behalf of the 638 Association. She highlighted how tribally managed facilities deliver essential specialty, emergency, and referred care services not always available at direct IHS sites.

A major focus of the meeting was the PRC program, which helps cover medically necessary services when direct care is unavailable. Key topics included:

• Eligibility rules, including “He Who Refers Pays” and “Home of Record” guidelines
• Appeals processes for denied services
• Medical priorities and how tribal organizations can adapt them based on funding
• Patient education and challenges with cross-border referrals and notification timelines

Additional discussion addressed Non-Emergent Medical Transport (NEMT) regulations, including permitting processes, safety standards for drivers and vehicles, complaint resolution, and enforcement mechanisms.

The HEHSC expressed appreciation for the collaborative presentations and indicated plans to explore legislative options for standardizing contract terms, improving PRC coordination across facilities, and updating NEMT regulations. Further technical assistance sessions and stakeholder work sessions are expected in the coming months.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Bigwater,
Chief Patient Experience Officer
christian.bigwater@sagememorial.com
Office – (928) 755-4532 | Cell – (928) 221-4205