BOISE, Idaho — Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise is no longer verified as a trauma center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
The ACS had previously verified the regional medical center as a Level II Trauma Center. According to the hospital's website, the verification is an achievement that recognizes its "dedication to providing the highest quality, most optimal care for all injured patients."
However, KTVB learned trauma centers in Idaho can be voluntarily verified or designated by a state authority or verified by the American College of Surgeons.
The ACS does not designate trauma centers; instead, it gives an objective, external review of a trauma center's resources and performance.
According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center is still designated as a Level II Trauma Center center by the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency (TSE) Council.
A Saint Alphonsus Health System spokesperson said the regional medical center is not verified through the ACS right now because, during its recent re-verification survey, the ACS found four issues that were documentation or administrative in nature.
The health system immediately worked to fix the findings, the spokesperson said, and it's working to schedule a re-verification survey for next spring.
In a statement to KTVB, the health system said, "Clinical services and patient care are not impacted, and nothing changes from our clinical standard of exceptional care that is provided as a result. Our patients and community can continue to feel confident in having access to the highest quality trauma care available locally."
The statement continued and said, "The history and legacy of the Trauma Program are solid and our commitment to continue to advance exceptional care locally is our top priority"
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.