Are you passionate about improving the quality of care in long term and post-acute settings? The
AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is inviting dedicated professionals to apply as
Silver and Gold Examiners for the 2027 cycle. Serving as an Examiner is a unique opportunity to strengthen your professional expertise, collaborate with leaders from across the country, and help long term and post-acute care organizations advance their quality improvement journeys.
Why Become an Examiner? Examiners are essential to the success of the National Quality Award Program. As an Examiner, you’ll play a critical role in evaluating applications from care centers across the country that are committed to performance excellence. Using scoring calibration guidelines grounded in the Baldrige Performance Excellence criteria, you’ll help ensure that each review is consistent, fair, and impactful. Your feedback will directly influence how organizations improve their systems, processes, and outcomes—making a real difference in the lives of residents and staff.
What You’ll Gain
- Professional Growth: Develop a marketable skillset in quality improvement, strategic analysis, and team collaboration.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and experts who share your commitment to excellence.
- Make a Meaningful Contribution: Help organizations strengthen their performance through constructive feedback that elevates care standards across the profession.
- Understand the Quality Award Journey: Gain firsthand insight into the Quality Award application and evaluation process, and learn how to apply that knowledge to strengthen your own organization’s performance and advance its Quality Award journey.
Who Should Apply?
- Silver Examiners: A great opportunity for individuals looking to expand their understanding of the Baldrige framework, including those new to the Examiner experience or pursuing Bronze or Silver recognition.
- Gold Examiners: Best suited for individuals with prior Examiner experience or deep knowledge of performance excellence frameworks.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or a rising professional, there’s a place for you in this program.
Time Commitment & Support
- Training: Virtual, self-paced modules (10–12 hours) for all Examiners; in-person training for Team Leaders (travel expenses covered).
- Review Period: Weekly team calls and application evaluations from late February through early June (40–60 hours total).
- Resources: AHCA/NCAL provides comprehensive support to all Examiners in their learning journey, including travel reimbursement for required training.
Learn More About Becoming an Examiner
Interested in serving but want to know more?
- Hear directly from experienced Examiners about their experiences, the skills they've gained, and how the program has helped them grow professionally while advancing quality care.
- Watch the 2027 Examiner Program Informational Webinar, hosted by AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Board Members Moe Carland and Paul Grizzell, for an overview of the Examiner Program, expectations, benefits, and the application process.
- Visit ahcancal.org/examiners to explore the Examiner roles, expectations, application process, and opportunities to learn from current Examiners.