AHCA/NCAL is excited to announce that its in-house magazine, Provider, will now host the association's individual awards program. The Provider ACE (Achieving Care Excellence) Awards, formerly known as the AHCA/NCAL Awards Program, recognizes the outstanding contributions of long term and post-acute care professionals from around the country.
The Provider ACE Awards reflect a refreshed vision that captures the innovation, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by long term and post-acute caregivers. While the name and look are new, the heart of the program remains the same: honoring individuals who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care, lead with purpose, and strengthen the profession.
All care professionals working in AHCA/NCAL member facilities are encouraged to apply, including those serving in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICFs/IID), and other individuals who work in the long term care field, including direct care, education, and research.
While the Provider ACE Awards honor individuals in our profession, the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program continues to recognize long term care facilities and organizations for performance excellence. Learn more
Award categories will remain the same, including:
- AHCA and NCAL Leader of the Year Awards: Recognizes an Administrator/Executive Director, Director of Nursing, or someone in a regional leadership position within the long term care community – one for skilled nursing and one for assisted living.
- AHCA and NCAL Noble Caregiver Awards: Recognizes frontline caregivers, support and office staff from any department within long term care – one for skilled nursing and one for assisted living.
The Provider ACE Awards will also once again recognize the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the NCAL Jan Thayer Pioneer Award. Visit AHCA/NCAL's YouTube channel to learn more about past recipients.
We encourage you to explore the new Provider ACE Awards website and consider submitting a nomination once the process opens to help shine a spotlight on the achievements that exemplify care excellence. Honorees will be recognized at Delivering Solutions 26, AHCA/NCAL Convention and Expo October 11-14, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts.
More details, timelines, and nomination information will be shared soon.