National Quality Award Program

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 ‭(Hidden)‬ You're Invited!

​Special Ceremony Honoring the 2024 National Quality Award Recipients
Monday, April 7 | ⏰ 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Eastern

Due to the cancellation of Delivering Solutions 24 (DS24), AHCA/NCAL's Convention & Expo, caused by Hurricane Milton, we are thrilled to host a special recognition ceremony to honor the 2024 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award recipients. These organizations have demonstrated a commitment to performance excellence and positively impacted the lives of residents and patients. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and dedication to quality improvement.

Location: AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit 2025 | Atlanta, GA
Monday, April 7 | ⏰ 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Eastern


**Please note that 2025 National Quality Award recipients will be recognized at Delivering Solutions 25.**
 

 2025 Notification Dates

We are a few months away from announcing our 2025 National Quality Award recipients!​ Mark these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for more program updates.​
  • Bronze: May 29
  • Silver: June 26
  • Gold: August 8

 Quality Award Stories

Explore our Quality Award Stories website​ and discover remarkable achievements in long term care. Share your Quality Award journey and showcase how it has elevated your organization’s standards and outcomes. Your story could inspire others and be featured in our national communications, highlighting your commitment to excellence. Submit your story today to join a network of dedicated providers striving for continuous improvement. Be inspired by your peers and contribute to a legacy of outstanding care.

 

 

AHCA/NCAL Announces 2025 Bronze National Quality Award Recipientshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Announces-2025-Bronze-National-Quality-Award-Recipients.aspxAHCA/NCAL Announces 2025 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients5/30/2025 4:00:00 AM<div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong> – </strong>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 15,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, today announced the 2025 </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Bronze – Commitment to Quality</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Award recipients. This year, 486 skilled nursing facilities (SNF), 129 assisted living (AL) communities, and 38 combined SNF/AL providers in 46 states earned the Bronze Award, the first of three levels in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The awards program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of quality to improve the lives of their residents.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“We commend this year’s recipients for taking this important first step on their quality journey,”<strong> said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. </strong>“Their commitment to continuous improvement and resident-centered care reflects the heart of our mission and lays a strong foundation for future excellence.”</span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Embarking on the Quality Award journey is an important and commendable choice,” <strong>said LaShuan Bethea, executive director of NCAL.</strong> “These recipients have demonstrated that they are ready to grow, learn, and lead with purpose—qualities that are essential to improving all aspects of the lives of our residents. We congratulate the 2025 Bronze recipients, and we are excited to see where this path takes them.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they demonstrate a clear understanding of their organization’s mission, vision, and core values—who they are and what matters most to them. They also highlight the use of a performance improvement system that supports ongoing evaluation and helps refine their processes to achieve their goals. An esteemed group of trained examiners review each application to determine if the organization has met the demands of the award criteria. Recipients of the Bronze Award can now begin to work towards earning the Silver Award level. </span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">"Starting the Quality Award journey is about more than recognition—it’s about building a culture that puts quality first,” <strong>said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair.</strong> “Congratulations to each recipient for embracing that commitment and setting the stage for continued success.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">A full list of the 2025 Bronze recipients is available on the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/QualityAwardRecipients.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">web​site</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. The association will announce the recipients of this year’s Silver Award at the end of June, and the Gold Award recipients in August. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The 2025 National Quality Award Recipients will be recognized during the Elevating Excellence Awards Ceremony at AHCA/NCAL’s Convention & Expo: </span><a href="https://ds25.eventscribe.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Delivering Solutions 25</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">, in Las Vegas, Nev. on Tuesday, October 21. Registration to attend is now open.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The 2025 National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Prevail by First Quality, Rosie, and Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div>Today, we're happy to announce the 2025 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award recipients. This year, 486 skilled nursing facilities, 129 assisted living communities, and 38 combined SNF/AL providers in 46 states earned the Bronze Award.653 long term care providers in 46 states are recognized for commitment to quality
National Volunteer Week: Celebrating the Vital Role of Quality Award Examinershttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/National-Volunteer-Week-Celebrating-the-Vital-Role-of-Quality-Award-Examiners.aspxNational Volunteer Week: Celebrating the Vital Role of Quality Award Examiners4/22/2025 4:00:00 AM<p>​During National Volunteer Week, AHCA/NCAL acknowledges the valuable contributions of over 150 dedicated volunteers who annually dedicate numerous hours to evaluating and writing feedback to applicants for the Silver and Gold National <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Awards</a>. These experienced <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Examiners</a>, who average more than five years of service, bring expertise from diverse sectors – including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, veterans homes, providers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), Quality Improvement Organizations, and state-based and international Baldrige Programs. Their impressive commitment underscores a shared dedication to enhancing quality within the long term care profession and are a vital part of the National Quality Award workforce. ​</p>During National Volunteer Week, AHCA/NCAL acknowledges the valuable contributions of over 150 dedicated volunteers who annually dedicate numerous hours to evaluating and writing feedback to applicants for the Silver and Gold National Quality Awards.
Honoring the 2024 Journeys of Excellencehttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Honoring-the-2024-Journeys-of-Excellence.aspxHonoring the 2024 Journeys of Excellence4/14/2025 4:00:00 AM<p></p><div>The National Quality Award <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Program</a> honored the 2024 Quality Award recipients last week during a special Quality Award Ceremony, highlighting their exceptional commitment to quality care and continuous process improvement. This national event brought together skilled nursing and assisted living awardees from across the country for an evening of recognition and celebration. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Achieving any award level within the Quality Award Program demonstrates a focus on excellence in all that they do and offer. Libby Care Center of Cascadia and Lofland Park Center, the two National 2024 Gold recipients, closed the evening sharing notes of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of ongoing quality improvement and its profound impact on the lives of those that they serve.  </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the Quality Award Stories <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Quality-Award-Stories.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">webpage</a> to learn about other quality journeys, share your story, and learn more about how to get involved.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Honoring-the-2024-Journeys-of-Excellence/Pic1.jpg" alt="Pic1.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div><div style="text-align:left;"><strong>Libby Care Center of Cascadia </strong></div><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Libby, MT ​​​​​​​​​​</strong></span></div><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>2024 Gold Quality Award Recipient </strong></span></div><div><br></div><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Honoring-the-2024-Journeys-of-Excellence/Pic2.jpg" alt="Pic1.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:736px;" /><br></div><div><div><strong>Lofland Park Center </strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Seaford, DE </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>2024 Gold Quality Award Recipient ​</strong></span></div><br></div><br></div><p>​</p>The National Quality Award Program honored the 2024 Quality Award recipients last week during a special Quality Award Ceremony, highlighting their exceptional commitment to quality care and continuous process improvement.
Exclusive 2024 Quality Award Recognition – Join Us at Quality Summit 2025!https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Exclusive-2024-Quality-Award-Recognition-–-Join-Us-at-Quality-Summit-2025!-.aspxExclusive 2024 Quality Award Recognition – Join Us at Quality Summit 2025!3/4/2025 5:00:00 AM<div><strong>You Earned It – Now Let’s Celebrate! </strong></div><div><br><span style="font-size:11pt;">The <a href="/Education-Events/Quality-Summit/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit</a> will feature a special recognition event exclusively for 2024 Quality Award recipients!</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> Since we were unable to honor your achievement at Delivering Solutions 24 due to Hurricane Milton, this is your opportunity to take the stage and be recognized for your outstanding commitment to quality care. </span></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Event Details: </strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Location:</strong> Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead, Grand Ballroom, Atlanta, GA </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Dates:</strong> April 7-9, 2025 </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Recognition Ceremony:</strong> April 7, 2025 | 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Why Attend? </strong></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Be Recognized on Stage – Your hard work deserves the spotlight! </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Network with Fellow Award Recipients – Connect with top long term care leaders. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Access Exclusive Education & Insights – Your registration includes general sessions, workshops, and the Quality Awards Reception. </span></li></ul></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Secure Your Spot – Limited Space Available! </strong></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Regist</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">ration Fee: $325 </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>How to Register: </strong></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the Quality Summit <a href="https://corereg.cmrus.com/ahcaQS2025/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Registration Site</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Click Online Registration </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Enter your exclusive Quality Award Recipient Code that you have received in an email from the Quality Award team. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Need your discount code? Contact <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a>. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Hotel & Travel Information: </strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Special group rates are available at: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead (event venue) </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Embassy Suites Atlanta Buckhead </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Westin Buckhead Atlanta </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Important:</strong> You must be registered for Quality Summit before booking your hotel. Rooms will fill quickly—reserve yours today! </div><div><br></div><div>Don’t miss this exclusive moment to celebrate your success! We can’t wait to honor you at Quality Summit 2025. </div><div><br></div><div>&#128073; <a href="https://corereg.cmrus.com/ahcaQS2025/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>REGISTER NOW</strong> </a><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Questions? </strong>Contact the Quality Award Program team at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a>.  <br></div><p>​</p>The 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit will feature a special recognition event exclusively for 2024 Quality Award recipients!


​The Award Levels

 Bronze Award

qaward_24bronze.pngAbout 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 improvement 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


 Bronze Application & Resources

Essential Resources
Supporting Resources

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Bronze Key Dates

Notification
June 3, 2021

 Silver Award

qaward_24silver.pngAbout 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

 Silver Application & Resources

Essential Resources
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Silver Key Dates

Notification
June 24, 2021

 Gold Award

qaward_24gold.pngAbout 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

​Gold Award Spotlight

2024​ 

2023​ 

2022 

2021 
2020 

 Gold Application & Resources

Essential Resources
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Gold Key Dates



 About The Program

​The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program helps you to evaluate your organization’s strengths and opportunities, identify critical areas for improvement, and implement a plan to be stronger, more resilient, and suc​c​essful than ever before. ​​​​​​​​​​​​The ​​three-level program evaluates long term care organizations capabilities against nationally recognized standards for excellence, making it one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective performance assessments available to providers. Each progressive award levels— Bronze – Commitment to Quality, ​​Silver - Achievement in Quality, and Gold – Excellence in Quality, requires a more detailed demonstration of superior performance. Learn ​more​​​​​ about the value of the program for your organization and your workforce.​
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