The AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program offers numerous benefits and advantages to centers who participate in the three-level award journey, but no impact is as telling as the statistics themselves.
To date, the Quality Award program has honored more than 2,146 Bronze, 746 Silver, and 49 Gold award recipients since the program’s inception in 1996. In that time, AHCA/NCAL has had the opportunity to look closely at the true impact of the program on the centers that participate.
The results contain statistics that prove the ROI of the program: by taking the time to complete the paperwork, make the commitment to the Quality Award journey, and implement systematic changes in quality care, centers are improving in national measures.
For example:
- 73% of Quality Award recipients earned 3-5 Stars in Survey, compared to 55% of the national average
- 63% of Quality Award recipients earned 3-5 Stars in Staffing, compared to 49% of the national average
- 87% of Quality Award recipients earned 3-5 Stars in Quality Metrics, compared to 80% of the national average
In addition to changing their Five Star ratings, AHCA/NCAL Quality Award recipients can demonstrate strength in more specific ways, too. Quality Award recipients, compared to the national average, outperform non-award recipients by:
- 1% in the occurrence of pressure ulcers
- 5% in the occurrence of urinary tract infections
- 2% in the prevention and measure of falls
- 10% in the measure of off-label use of antipsychotics
Commit to the Journey (and Save Money!): ITA Deadline is November 15
The time to begin your AHCA/NCAL Quality Award journey is NOW! The Intent-to-Apply deadline is November 15. We encourage applicants who plan to apply for a Quality Award to submit an ITA by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline on November 15, 2022.
Applying for a National Quality Award provides a framework that can be used to prepare for and make critical improvements and serves as a team-building activity to engage staff across all levels.
Applicants who submit an Intent to Apply will save money on their overall application fee. No paperwork or application is needed. You can access help documents for the Quality Award Portal here. Submit your ITA payment by logging in to the Quality Award Portal.
Questions about the National Quality Award Program?
The Quality Award team has created a number of resources to help applicants along the way. There are roadmaps available for Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, plus many other downloads. All resources are available on the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award web page. While you’re online, be sure to check out the ongoing series with the Top 10 Tips for applying for the Quality Award program. The first seven tips are available below, and more tips are to come before the November 15 deadline!
If you would like to speak directly with a member of the Quality Awards team, please email qualityawards@ahca.org and we will be in touch!