National Quality Award Program

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​Member centers may apply for three progressive levels of awards: Bronze—Commitment to Quality, Silver—Achievement in Quality, or Gold—Excellence in Quality.  Each level has its own distinct rigors and requirements for quality and performance excellence. 
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Applications are judged by trained Examiners who provide feedback on opportunities for improvement to support continuous learning.
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 Bronze Award

About the Bronze Award

The first step in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award.

The Bronze Award level provides applicants with the tools and resources they need for continuous im​provement in quality care. Through the Bronze criteria, based on the Baldrige Excellence Framework, applicants will assess their organization’s mission, vision, and key factors that lead to success. At this award level, utilizing the criteria questions applicants develop an organizational profile for their center. Applying for the AHCA/NCAL Bronze National Quality Award gives your organization a strong foundation for the second step—the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award​ level.  

Questions about the contents of this program may be directed to qualityaward@ahca.org. 

National Quality Award Renewal Policy

​​The National Quality Award Program’s Renewal Policy impacts all current and previous Quality Award recipients.

Under this policy, Bronze and Silver Quality Award recipients will have to stay engaged in their Quality Award journey in order to stay “active” within the program. 

All participating centers are responsible for reading and complying with the Renewal Policy. 

Download and read the full policy here.

 Bronze Application & Resources
Essential Resources
Supporting Documents

 2021 Bronze Key Dates
Notification
June 3, 2021

 Silver Award

About the Silver Award

​The second step in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award. 

At the Silver Award level, applicants continue to learn and develop effective approaches that help improve performance and health care outcomes. The Silver criteria, based on the Baldrige Excellence Framework, provide applicants with a thorough assessment of how their organization works, its effectiveness, and tools for improvement in their approaches. The Silver level gives a clear pathway for recipients moving to the highest honor of recognition, the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award. 

Applicants must receive a Bronze – Commitment to Quality​ Award before applying at the Silver level. 

Questions about the contents of this program may be directed to qualityaward@ahca.org. 

National Quality Award Renewal Policy

​​The National Quality Award Program’s Renewal Policy impacts all current and previous Quality Award recipients.

Under this policy, Bronze and Silver Quality Award recipients will have to stay engaged in their Quality Award journey in order to stay “active” within the program. 

All participating centers are responsible for reading and complying with the Renewal Policy. 

Download and read the full policy here​.

 Silver Application & Resources
Essential Resources
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living
  • Potential Assisted Living Data Sources
    This resource is a list of potential data sources that Assisted Living providers may utilize to get comparative data.
  • Sample Silver Assisted Living Category 7 Results
    This resource is intended for assisted living applicants to help in identifying measures and comparisons. For complete guidelines on reporting results, applicants must review the guidelines for responding to results items and the comparative data statement available in the Silver application packet.

 2021 Silver Key Dates
Notification
June 24, 2021

 Gold Award

About the Gold Award

The final step in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award. Recipients of the Gold Award are considered the best of the best in the profession.

​At the Gold Award level, applicants must show superior performance in areas of the criteria including leadership, strategic planning, and customer and staff satisfaction. By completing the Gold level criteria, organizations take their quality journey to a higher level through the valuable feedback received in the application process and thereby reaching organizational goals. Gold applicants address the Baldrige Excellence Framework in its entirety.

Applicants are required to receive the Bronze – Commitment to Quality and Silver – Achievement in Quality​ Awards before applying at the Gold level. 

Questions about the contents of this program may be directed to qualityaward@ahca.org. 

Facility Spotlight

National Quality Award Renewal Policy

​​The National Quality Award Program’s Renewal Policy impacts all current and previous Quality Award recipients.

Under this policy, Bronze and Silver Quality Award recipients will have to stay engaged in their Quality Award journey in order to stay “active” within the program. 

All participating centers are responsible for reading and complying with the Renewal Policy. 
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Download and read the full policy here​.​​

 Gold Application & Resources
Essential Resources
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living
  • Potential Assisted Living Data Sources
    This resource is a list of potential data sources that Assisted Living providers may utilize to get comparative data.
  • Sample Gold Assisted Living Category 7 Results
    This resource is intended for assisted living applicants to help in identifying measures and comparisons. For complete guidelines on reporting results, applicants must review the guidelines for responding to results items and the comparative data statement available in the Gold application packet.

 2021 Gold Key Dates
Notifications
Site Visit Notification 
May 27, 2021
 
Recipients Announced
August 6, 2021​​

 Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about the program or the application process!

 About the Program

 Additional Information

 Upcoming Event
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 Baldrige Resources

 Applicant Resources
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 Quality Award Portal

 Thank You to Our Sponsors

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