A survey team inspected the hospital last December and evaluated its procedures.

Spearfish hospital officials say a trauma verification from the ACS is the gold standard of verification.

Dr. Terry Altstiel says, "It was a delightful experience. But they go through your stuff with a fine-tooth comb. They look at every jot and tittle. And we did marvelously."

Level III Trauma Centers must provide 24-hour, seven-days-a-week medical care with a complete trauma team on duty.

-Al Van Zee