SCMH Board Advances USDA Preapplication, Approves Radiology Group Credentials
MILAN, Mo. — June Meeting Minutes Summary – Representatives from Senator Josh Hawley’s office and Burton- Liese Government Relations joined the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees on June 26 to discuss rural healthcare support and potential facility funding. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Melba Fordyce at 2 p.m. Trustees present were Bill Lewis, Angie Curtis, and Fordyce.
Also attending were Martha Gragg, Chief Executive Officer; Becky Thomas, Chief Nursing Officer; Danny Bartlett, Chief Ancillary Officer; Amy Michael, Chief Operating Officer; Craig Redmon, Associate with Burton- Liese Government Relations; and Cooper Childers, Mid-Missouri District Director for Senator Josh Hawley.
Gragg updated Childers on the hospital’s ongoing need for a new facility, while Redmon briefed the board on House Bill 19, which included proposed funding for rural hospitals but did not reach a vote. Childers shared information on federal efforts to preserve rural healthcare funding amid proposed cuts.
The board reviewed progress on the USDA Preapplication Process, with initial forms submitted and additional documentation underway. Trustees approved a series of USDA-related forms, including Form SF424, certification of credit availability, debt policy compliance, and relationship disclosure.
The May financial report showed a $187,097 loss, largely attributed to decreased inpatient volume. Staffing changes included the promotion of Heidi Tosh to Laboratory Department Manager and the successful debut of a new pain management clinic led by CRNA Josh DeLozier. Sheila Hines, Environmental Services and Interim Dietary Manager, was recognized as Employee of the Month.
Thirty-three radiologists from Alliance Radiology Group were credentialed for consulting staff privileges. Dr. Andrew Harmon was appointed Radiology Medical Director. The group is scheduled to begin services July 8.
A new IV to PO antibiotic protocol was approved through the Quality Committee, and a patient privacy passcode policy was implemented. The hospital’s Physicians’ Clinic extended hours to weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. The community pharmacy received approval for all insurance providers submitted to date.
SCMH will host Summer Camp Med on July 8–9, with 10 students enrolled. Foundation fundraising efforts continued with a June 7 murder mystery event, which raised more than $9,000.
Hospital officials also visited a Canon-equipped radiology department in Utah to evaluate potential equipment options for a future facility. Updates were also shared from recent healthcare forums and regional meetings.
The board approved the credentialing of Alliance radiologists, the USDA Form SF424, policy updates, and financial authorizations. A discussion was held about recognizing long-term employees. The next board meeting is scheduled for July 31 at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. following a closed session.
