National Quality Award Program

​National Quality Award Intent to Apply Now Closed

Intent to Apply is now closed. We encourage applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2025 to countinue to work on applications and submit​ them before the deadline on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 8 PM ET.  

Need help? Visit our help ​page​ or email us!

Be sure to review educational materials across all award levels to help you on the path to success.

For more resources, scroll down. ​​​

 2025 Program Dates

  • ​Application Packets and Criteria Series Available: July 9, 2024
  • Intent to Apply and Portal Opens: August 2024
  • Intent to Apply Deadline: November 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. EST
  • Application and Payment Deadline: January 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2024 Notification Dates

We are a few months away from announcing our 2024 National Quality Award recipients!​ Mark these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for more program updates.​
  • Bronze: Thursday, May 30
  • Silver: Thursday, June 27​
  • Gold: Friday, August 9

 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.

 

 

Final Reminder! Submit Your Intent to Apply for the 2025 National Quality Award by This Thursdayhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Final-Reminder!-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-the-2025-National-Quality-Award-by-This-Thursday.aspxFinal Reminder! Submit Your Intent to Apply for the 2025 National Quality Award by This Thursday11/13/2024 5:00:00 AMDon’t miss your chance to get a head start in participating in the <a data-linkto="https://" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" title="AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program</a>!<br><br><strong>This is the final reminder to submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) by Thursday, November 14, at 8 p.m. EST.</strong><br><br>Act now to join your peers on a journey that leads to <a data-linkto="https://" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/QA_fastfacts_2020.pdf" href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/QA_fastfacts_2020.pdf" title="better clinical, quality, and operational results" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">better clinical, quality, and operational results</a>, including improved 5-star ratings and reduced staff turnover.<br><br><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Submitting an ITA Offers:</strong><br style="text-decoration:underline;"><ul><li>A discounted application fee.</li><li>Exclusive resources to streamline and polish your application.</li><li>A head start on your application.<br></li></ul><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">How to Submit:</strong><br><ul><li>Log into the Quality Award Portal at <a data-linkto="http://" data-cke-saved-href="http://ahcancal.org/QualityAward" href="http://ahcancal.org/QualityAward" title="ahcancal.org/QualityAward" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">ahcancal.org/QualityAward</a>.</li><li>Navigate to your organization’s dashboard, select “Payment,” and submit your ITA.<br></li></ul><div><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Need Assistance?</strong><br>Our team is here to support you. Contact <a data-linkto="mailto:" data-cke-saved-href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" title="qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a> with any questions.</div><div><br></div><div><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Thank You!</strong><br>A special thanks to our program sponsors—<a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=0e09efc02a6c914ee92308bac66da202c39b14f3e2aa881070462264a09d4f9fb4e2df367a099bfe277a7c9d9cf5561bb706e566b9fc6192" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">PharMerica</a>, <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=0e09efc02a6c914e8b9c88b95a2632c1921fb2a9cdd90149065f1f8520ff088d8e5b98c2fd9c8938a6625fab0ab06bef37049ba77ccce49f" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Prevail by First Quality</a>, <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=0e09efc02a6c914e89e7a27c9d62a64d04cdc7c8ba3473db1c2ea484a09a3b1d673a46d3ed2d2c89bae0866e9b02c476b0a364f3c97e7034" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">SnapCare</a>, <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=0e09efc02a6c914efa2e38561e9674a79626a762cad4dcf665a318ccde97866e596e4815f342e8ff63e14fab9e0ab27df5bafa6d47414241" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">HealthCap</a>, and <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=0e09efc02a6c914e46f92de9db2d5c3b11d883d8c43d32c4f5641b0aa6a6b5a21b963e32b03dd6a04f3c9550e161a2d8ea843bc751f453d4" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">MatrixCare</a>—for supporting this journey to quality.​​<br><br></div>This is the final reminder to submit Intent to Apply for the quality awards
Prepare Today for Tomorrow's Challenges: Join the Quality Awards Journeyhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Prepare-Today-for-Tomorrow's-Challenges-Join-the-Quality-Awards-Journey.aspxPrepare Today for Tomorrow's Challenges: Join the Quality Awards Journey11/12/2024 5:00:00 AM<p>​<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">As the Baby Boomer generation continues moving into assisted living, they bring with them a wave of change and heightened expectations. These residents are tech-savvy, politically influential, and highly individualized. They expect more than just care—they seek communities that prioritize choice, respect, and person-centered support.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></p><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">For long term care providers, this shift is both a challenge and an opportunity. The </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.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">AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards Program</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> offers a pathway to build resilient, high-performing communities ready to meet the unique needs of these residents. Providers who engage in this journey can implement proven strategies that enhance quality and foster lasting improvement.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Explore </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/QA_AL.pdf" 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"><strong>Act Today for Organizational Success Tomorrow</strong></span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> to gain insights on resident needs and preferences, empowering your team to elevate care and create a better experience for residents.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Don’t miss this chance to future-proof your community and elevate the quality of life for those you serve. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" 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">Submit your </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">2025 Quality Award i</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">ntent to </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">a</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">pply</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> by <strong>Thursday, November 14, at 8 p.m. EST</strong> to continue the journey toward excellence.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ​​</span></div>The AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards Program offers a pathway to build resilient, high-performing communities ready to meet the unique needs of these residents
Unlock Exclusive Benefits – Submit Your Intent to Apply Today!https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Unlock-Exclusive-Benefits-–-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-Today!-.aspxUnlock Exclusive Benefits – Submit Your Intent to Apply Today!11/5/2024 5:00:00 AM<p>​<span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Submitting your Intent to Apply for the 2025 </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Quality Award Program</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">offers more than just a discounted application fee and timely reminders throughout the application process—it opens the door to exclusive educational resources and opportunities.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></p><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Applicants at every award level who submit an ITA will be invited to participate in live webinars led by Quality Award Program experts, including trainers, examiners, and judges. This is your opportunity to bring your questions and get real-time answers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":300}"><br></span></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Bronze Applicants</strong></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>:</strong> Join a live session focused on essential guidance and key takeaways for each Bronze criterion question.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Silver Applicants:</strong> </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Attend two live sessions—one dedicated to the criteria’s approach to “learning” and another on process evaluation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Gold Applicants:</strong></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> Take part in two live sessions—one on application writing best practices and the other on Gold site visits and award recipient characteristics.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":220,"335559739":220}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Access to Application Best Practices and Recommendations</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":280,"335559739":0}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Silver and Gold applicants who submit an ITA will also gain access to specialized ITA webinars. These sessions cover various criteria topics, common pitfalls, and best practices to help you refine your application and ensure a strong submission.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Submit your Intent to Apply by 8 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 14</strong></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">, and seize this chance to access exclusive resources! Visit</span><a href="https://ahcancal.org/qualityaward" 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"> </span></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">ahcancal.org/qualityaward</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> to learn more.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ​</span></div>Intent to Apply for the 2025 Quality Award Program offers exclusive educational resources and opportunities.
National Quality Award Program: Beyond Earning an Award, Gaining Valuable Feedbackhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/National-Quality-Award-Program-Beyond-Earning-an-Award,-Gaining-Valuable-Feedback-.aspxNational Quality Award Program: Beyond Earning an Award, Gaining Valuable Feedback10/30/2024 4:00:00 AM<p><br><br></p><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence framework, sets high standards for excellence in long term and post-acute care. In addition to a recognition that boosts your facility’s reputation, applicants benefit from participating in the following ways:</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"><strong>1. Insights from Experts</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Applications are reviewed by Examiners that are industry peers in long term and post-acute care. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>2. Experts Dedicated to Evaluation </strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/Examiner/QA_fastfacts_examiners.pdf" 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">Quality Award Examiners</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> from across the country utilize a detailed review process averaging 15 hours for each Silver application and more than 30 hours for each Gold application. </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"><strong>3. Feedback for Continuous Improvement</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Use your Examiner feedback to recognize your strengths, identify improvement areas, refine processes, and implement effective strategies.</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"></span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" 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">Showcase your </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">D</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">edication to </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Q</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">uality </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">I</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">mprovement!</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Submit an Intent to Apply by </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Thursday, November 14 by 8 PM ET</strong>,</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> and take part in a Program that values excellence and continuous improvement. Visit </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" 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">ahcancal.org/</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">qualityaward</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> to learn more.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> ​</span></div>The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence framework, sets high standards for excellence in long term and post-acute care


​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.​
qa_graphics_award_recip.png