GALLUP, N.M. (AP) - The trial in a lawsuit between a Gallup hospital and the U.S. Indian Health Service has been postponed and now will extend into 2017.
The Gallup Independent reports (https://bit.ly/1hoDjlp ) that Sage Memorial Hospital and the federal agency were set to go to trial Oct. 17. Both parties are trying to discredit each other’s expert witnesses, and Sage is pressing to receive more money for contract costs.
Sage operates a 25-bed hospital in Ganado. In 2007 it contracted with IHS under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act. Following reports of financial irregularities, IHS conducted a performance review and contracted for a forensic audit. After the audit the agency did not renew its contract.
The hospital sued HIS and a judge ordered the agency to approve an annual funding agreement unless the issue is resolved in court.
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Information from: Gallup Independent, https://www.gallupindependent.com
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