| Don’t Miss Out: Submit Your Intent to Apply by November 13 | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Don’t-Miss-Out-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-by-November-13-.aspx | Don’t Miss Out: Submit Your Intent to Apply by November 13 | | | | | 10/14/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">The clock is ticking! The <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>2026 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA)</strong></a> is open, and the deadline is fast approaching: <strong>November 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. </strong></span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Submitting your ITA is a simple but powerful step that sets your team up for success. Those who complete the ITA unlock important benefits: </span></div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Discounted application fee <br><br></li><li>Exclusive reminders, resources, and tips throughout the year <br><br></li><li>Access to webinars and support tools to guide your application process </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Why Take the First Step? </strong></div><div><br></div><div>Our newly released <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/QA_fastfacts_2025.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Fast Facts</strong></a> highlight just how impactful the Quality Award program can be. </div><div><br></div><div><ul><li>Award recipients are <strong>68% more likely</strong> to earn an Overall Five-Star Rating. </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">They perform <strong>13% better</strong> on safe use of off-label antipsychotics. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">They see an <strong>8% improvement </strong>in reducing hospital readmissions. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">And they have <strong>lower RN turnover rates</strong> compared to non-recipients. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>These numbers tell a bigger story: organizations that embark on the Quality Award journey don’t just gain recognition—they deliver better care, have stronger teams, and see measurable results. <br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton">Take Action Today</strong></a></div><div><br></div><div>Every Quality Award journey begins with a single step. For thousands of centers, that step started with an Intent to Apply. </div><div><br></div><div><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Submit your Intent to Apply</a> before <strong>November 13, 2025</strong>, and give your organization the best chance to shine! <br></div><p><br></p> | The 2026 National Quality Award Intent to Apply is open, and the deadline is fast approaching: November 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. | |
| Reach for Peak Performance Excellence with the Gold Award! | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Reach-for-Peak-Performance-Excellence-with-the-Gold-Award!-.aspx | Reach for Peak Performance Excellence with the Gold Award! | | | | | 10/14/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Is your long term or post-acute care center dedicated to delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of residents? If you've already achieved the Bronze and Silver levels, the Gold Quality Award is your opportunity to take the next bold step in your quality improvement journey. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The Gold Award challenges applicants to integrate and sustain performance excellence across all areas of their organization. It builds upon the foundations established at the Bronze and Silver levels, helping to drive deeper impact and long-term results. Whether you're applying for the first time or returning to refine your approach, these essential resources will guide your way: </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Key Resources for Gold Applicants</strong> </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/MemberOnlyDocs/Gold/Gold%20Packet.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Gold Application Packet </a></span></li><ul><li>Includes program policies, application instructions, and notes on how to respond to the criteria. </li></ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/nationalqualityaward?_gl=1%2abker6a%2a_gcl_au%2aNjc3OTY4OTQzLjE3NTk4NzEwMzQ." data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Gold Criteria Series </a></span></li><ul><li>Educational videos that walk through each section of the Gold criteria, offering clarity and practical insights. </li></ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/MemberOnlyDocs/Gold/2025%20Gold%20Criteria%20Submission%20Template.docx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Gold Submission Template </a></span></li><ul><li>A structured format to help you organize and build your responses aligned with the Gold criteria codes. </li></ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/2026-national-quality-award-program-kick-off?_gl=1%2ai6x4t2%2a_gcl_au%2aMjE0MDIwNTg0Mi4xNzU2ODI4Mzcw#tab-product_tab_overview" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Kick-Off Webinar Recording</a> </span></li><ul><li>Hear directly from Quality Award staff as they share expert guidance and tips to launch your application with confidence. </li></ul></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The 2026 Intent to Apply (ITA) process is open and available through the Quality Award Portal. Submitting your ITA by <strong>Thursday, November 13, 2025,</strong> gives you access to exclusive resources and a discounted application fee, making it a smart first step toward Gold. </span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton">Submit Your Intent to Apply</span></a> </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the Quality Award <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">website</a> for 2026 Gold materials and contact the Quality Award Program at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a> with questions or inquiries. </span></div><p></p> | Is your long term or post-acute care center dedicated to delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of residents? | |
| Help Shape the Future of Long Term Care: Become a 2026 National Quality Award Examiner | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Help-Shape-the-Future-of-Long-Term-Care-Become-a-2026-National-Quality-Award-Examiner.aspx | Help Shape the Future of Long Term Care: Become a 2026 National Quality Award Examiner | | | | | 10/7/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p><span style="font-size:11pt;">Are you passionate about improving the quality of care in long term and post-acute settings? The </span><strong style="font-size:11pt;">AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program</strong><span style="font-size:11pt;"> is inviting dedicated professionals to apply as </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Silver and Gold Examiners</strong></a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> for the 2026 cycle—and we want you to be part of this transformative journey. </span></p><div><br></div><div><strong>Why Become an Examiner? </strong></div><div><br></div><div>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 <em>Baldrige Performance Excellence</em> criteria, you’ll help ensure that each review is consistent, fair, and impactful. </div><div><br></div><div>Your feedback will directly influence how organizations improve their systems, processes, and outcomes—making a real difference in the lives of residents and staff. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>What You’ll Gain </strong></div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Professional Growth:</strong> Develop a marketable skillset in quality improvement, strategic analysis, and team collaboration. </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Networking Opportunities: </strong>Connect with peers and experts who share your commitment to excellence. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Personal Fulfillment: </strong>Contribute to a national movement that’s elevating care standards across the continuum. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Who Should Apply? </strong></div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Silver Examiners:</strong> Ideal for those new to the Baldrige Framework, or those that are applying to the Bronze or Silver Quality Award. </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Gold Examiners:</strong> Best suited for individuals with prior Examiner experience or deep knowledge of performance excellence frameworks. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div>Whether you're a seasoned leader or a rising professional, there’s a place for you in this program. </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Time Commitment & Support </strong></div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Training:</strong> Virtual, self-paced modules (10–12 hours) for all Examiners; in-person training for Team Leaders (travel expenses covered). </li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Review Period:</strong> Weekly team calls and application evaluations from late February through early June (40–60 hours total). </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Resources:</strong> AHCA/NCAL provides comprehensive support to all Examiners in their learning journey, including travel reimbursement for required training. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Ready to Make a Difference? </strong></div><div><br></div><div>Join a community of professionals who are driving quality improvement in long term care. Your expertise and dedication can help shape a better future for thousands of residents and caregivers nationwide. </div><div><br></div><div>We welcome you to join a new Examiner recruitment webinar, taking place on October 8 from 1-2pm ET for Silver, and October 16 from 4-5pm ET for Gold, to hear from current Examiners about their experiences. Dial in details can be found <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">here</a>.<br></div><div><br></div><div>The Examiner application is open from October 6 through November 6, 2025. The 2026 timeline, role description and more information can be found here: <a href="https://ahcancal.org/examiners" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">ahcancal.org/examiners</a> </div><div><br></div><div><strong>Apply today</strong> or reach out with questions at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a>. </div><div><br><br></div><p></p> | Are you passionate about improving the quality of care in long term and post-acute settings? | |
| From Bronze to Silver: Advancing Your Quality Improvement Journey | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/From-Bronze-to-Silver-Advancing-Your-Quality-Improvement-Journey-.aspx | From Bronze to Silver: Advancing Your Quality Improvement Journey | | | | | 10/7/2025 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Is your long term or post-acute care center committed to delivering high-quality care and improving resident outcomes? The National Quality Award Program invites you to take the next step in your performance excellence journey by applying for the Silver Award. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Building on the foundation established at the Bronze level, the Silver Award helps organizations deepen their quality improvement efforts and prepare for the advanced criteria of the Gold Award. Whether you're advancing from Bronze or returning to strengthen your application, here’s how to set yourself up for success: </span></div><div><br></div><div style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Key Resources for Silver Applicants</strong></span></div><div><ul><li><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/p/QASAC" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">The Anatomy of a Response: Silver Award Criteria Learning Series</a> <br>Join us for a new two-part webinar series designed to help you interpret Silver Award criteria and craft stronger responses. In Part 1, Examiners will break down selected criteria and share tips for effective responses. Participants can submit sample responses for live feedback in Part 2. <br><br><strong>Part 1:</strong> October 15 at 2:00 PM EST <br><strong>Part 2:</strong> November 18 at 2:00 PM EST <br><br></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/MemberOnlyDocs/Silver/Silver%20Packet.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Silver Application Packet </a><br></span>This comprehensive packet includes program policies, guidance for completing your application, and the full set of criteria questions with helpful notes. <br><br></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/nationalqualityaward?_gl=1%2a93hig9%2a_gcl_au%2aMjE0MDIwNTg0Mi4xNzU2ODI4Mzcw" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Silver Criteria Series </a><br></span>Educational videos that walk through each section of the Silver criteria, helping you understand and respond with clarity. <br><br></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/MemberOnlyDocs/Silver/Silver%20Criteria%20Submission%20Template.zip" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Silver Submission Template </a><br></span>A practical tool to organize and build your responses, outlined with the Silver criteria codes. </li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The 2026 Intent to Apply (ITA) process is open and available through the Quality Award Portal. Submitting your ITA by <strong>Thursday, November 13, 2025,</strong> gives you access to exclusive resources and a discounted application fee, making it a smart first step in your Silver journey. </span></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton" style="font-size:11pt;"><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Submit Your Intent to Apply</a> </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the Quality Award <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">website</a> for 2026 Silver materials and contact the Quality Award Program at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a> with questions or inquiries. </span></div><p></p> | Is your long term or post-acute care center committed to delivering high-quality care and improving resident outcomes? | |