Is your long term or post-acute care center committed to delivering high-quality care and enhancing the lives of residents? The National Quality Award Program invites you to take the first step in your quality improvement journey by applying for the Bronze Award.
The Bronze level is designed to help organizations build a strong foundation for continuous improvement, laying the groundwork for future success at the Silver and Gold levels. Whether you're new to the Program or returning for another cycle, here’s how to prepare for a successful Bronze application:
Key Resources for Bronze Applicants
- Bronze Application Packets
Tailored for skilled nursing facilities (SNF), intellectual and developmental disability (ID/DD) communities, and assisted living (AL) providers. These packets include program policies, guidance for completing your application, and the criteria questions.
- Month-to-Month Roadmap
A step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process with clarity and confidence. - Bronze 10-Week Plan
A recommended timeline to complete your application in just 10 weeks—ideal for teams looking for structure and efficiency. - Kick-Off Webinar Recording
Hear directly from Quality Award staff as they share insights and tips to help you get started. - Bronze Criteria Series
A collection of educational videos that walk through each criterion, helping you understand and respond effectively.
Start your journey with the Bronze Award and showcase your organization’s commitment to quality care and performance improvement.
The 2026 Intent to Apply (ITA) process is open and available through the Quality Award Portal. Submitting your ITA by Thursday, November 13, 2025, gives you access to exclusive resources and a discounted application fee, making it a smart first step toward Gold.