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Guam Memorial Hospital Authority said it received recertification of its respiratory services under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, CLIA, program, administered under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The reaccreditation affirms GMHA'S continued compliance with federal quality and national safety standards for respiratory, blood gas testing, and patient safety. GMH said the CLIA certification is a vital component of its diagnostic capabilities, ensuring accurate, reliable, and timely testing that directly supports patient care and critical treatment decisions. "This is exactly the kind of progress we're proud to build upon," interim GMH Administrator and CEO Dr. Joleen M. Aguon said. "We are investing in people, in systems, and in quality.” Aguon is also GMHA's medical director of respiratory care and the laboratory director with Dr. Caleb King. Respiratory and blood gas testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing conditions such as chronic lung disease, respiratory failure, and other critical illnesses. "This reaccreditation reflects the hard work and commitment of our respiratory and laboratory teams, who ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care every day," GMHA associate administrator of professional services Belle Rada said in a statement. "It also reinforces GMHA's role as Guam's only public hospital equipped to provide comprehensive respiratory diagnostics to our community." CLIA certification is required for all clinical laboratories performing human testing in the United States and its territories. To achieve reaccreditation, GMHA underwent a comprehensive federal review process that included demonstrating technical competency, quality control, and adherence to strict laboratory standards. "This certification is definitely an achievement," Daleina Alo, chief of GMH respiratory, said in a statement. "It's a promise to our patients that we're meeting and exceeding national standards for respiratory services. Our respiratory team is thriving because we are not just maintaining services, we are expanding our capacity and are proud to deliver trusted results that support the quality-driven care we are providing."
