| AHCA/NCAL Announces 2023 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/2023-Bronze-National-Quality-Award-Recipients.aspx | AHCA/NCAL Announces 2023 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients | | | | | 6/1/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <p><strong>Washington, D.C. –</strong> The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) today announced the recipients of the 2023 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. This year, 277 skilled nursing care centers, 57 assisted living communities, and 60 facilities that offer both skilled nursing and assisted living from 47 states achieved the Bronze Award, the first of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to improve the lives of residents and staff in long term care.<br></p><p><span style="font-size:11pt;">“I applaud all of these providers for taking this important first step in their quality award journey," said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “The work that they have accomplished lays the groundwork to continue to improve the lives of the individuals who live and work in long term care."</span><br></p><p>
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 assess their organization's mission, vision, and key factors that lead to success. Trained examiners review each application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria. Bronze recipients can now move on to the Silver Award level.</p><p>
“Earning this award is a milestone to be proud of," said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair. “It's at this point that providers see what is possible by committing to the process of improvement. Congratulations to all this year's recipients. I encourage you to continue your journey to the next level."</p><p>
A list of all 2023 Bronze recipients is available on the <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/QualityAwardRecipients.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"> AHCA/NCAL Quality Award website</a>.<br></p><p>
The Association will announce the 2023 Silver Awards at the end of June, and Gold Awards in August.<br></p><p>
The 2023 National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: PharMerica, Pinnacle Quality Insight, Prevail by First Quality, HealthCap and MatrixCare.</p><p>
The National Quality Awards will be presented during Delivering Solutions 23, the <a href="https://ahcaconventionorg.eventscribe.net/index.asp?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=rotator_convention" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]">AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo</a>, October 1-4, 2023, in Denver, Colorado.</p> | We're happy to announce the recipients of the 2023 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. The program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to improve the lives of residents and staff in long term care. | Nearly 400 long term care providers in 47 states recognized for commitment to improving quality care |
| Communities Across the Nation Celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Communities-Across-the-Nation-Celebrate-National-Skilled-Nursing-Care-Week.aspx | Communities Across the Nation Celebrate National Skilled Nursing Care Week | | | | | 5/15/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <div><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C. – </strong>Communities across the nation are celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week® (NSNCW) by hosting events throughout the week from Sunday, May 14, through Saturday, May 20. The annual observance shines a light on the essential role of skilled nursing centers in caring for America’s elders and individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme, ‘Cultivating Kindness,’ embodies the heartfelt dedication of caregivers and staff in delivering compassionate, person-centered care. </div><div><br></div><div>“National Skilled Nursing Care Week is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the caregivers and staff who make a difference in the lives of our residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). “These incredible individuals keep our vulnerable loved ones safe, healthy, and socially engaged and are the heart of our communities. Let’s celebrate them for all that they do.”</div><div><br></div><div>Skilled nursing care centers and their staff are steadfast in their commitment to <a href="/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCANCAL-Highlights-Nursing-Home-Quality-Improvements-During-COVID-19-Pandemic.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">providing a high-level of person-centered care</a> for their residents. Since 2020, more than 1,400 providers have earned recognition through AHCA/NCAL’s <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">National Quality Awards Program</a>, which honors facilities that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance.</div><div><br></div><div>Created by AHCA in 1967, NSNCW starts each year on Mother’s Day and is celebrated through the following Saturday. Essity Health and Medical is the proud official sponsor of NSNCW 2023.</div><div><br></div><div>Celebrate this NSNCW by sharing your <a href="/News-and-Communications/Pages/Share-Your-Story.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">stories </a>and messages of gratitude on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NationalSkilledNursingCareWeek/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and other social media platforms using the hashtag #NSNCW. </div><div><br></div><div>For more information on the annual observance, please visit <a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">NSNCW.org</a>.<br></div><div><br></div> | Communities across the nation are celebrating National Skilled Nursing Care Week® by hosting events throughout the week from Sunday, May 14, through Saturday, May 20. | National Observance Honors the Essential Role of Skilled Nursing Centers in Caring for America’s Elders and Individuals with Disabilities |
| Get to Know Quality Award Provider St. Otto's Care Center in MN | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Getting-to-Know-a-Quality-Award-Provider---St.-Otto's-Care-Center,-Little-Falls,-MN.aspx | Get to Know Quality Award Provider St. Otto's Care Center in MN | | | | | 4/18/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <p><a href="https://stottos.org/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">St. Otto's Care Center</a> in Little Falls, Minnesota, has been committed to the Quality Award journey since being introduced to the Baldrige Framework in 2014. Since then, the family-owned 91-bed skilled nursing center has been recognized with a Silver Award in 2018 and Bronze Award in 2016 for demonstrating systematic improvements in quality and performance through the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">National Quality Awards Program</a>, which recognizes long term care facilities that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance. St. Otto's Care Center is currently working on the Gold Award level of the program, the final of three distinct milestones in the program that generally takes years to achieve.<br></p><ul style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;"><li>2018 National Silver Quality Award</li><li>2016 National Bronze Quality Award<br></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Danna Potter, LNHA, LALD, LSW, </strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Administrator of St. Otto's Care Center</strong>, shares the inspiration behind the center's commitment to strive for quality excellence and gives her advice on taking the next step.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><br></p><p><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Getting-to-Know-a-Quality-Award-Provider---St.-Otto%27s-Care-Center,-Little-Falls,-MN/Danna%20Potter%20Administrator.png" alt="Danna Potter Administrator.png" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px;width:180px;height:180px;" /></p><strong><div><strong style="font-size:11pt;">How did you get into long term care?</strong><br></div></strong><br><p>I went to school to be a social worker. I interned at a nursing home and fell in love! That experience started my career as a long term care social worker in 2001. In January 2013, I joined St. Otto's Care Center as a licensed social worker. After 20 years as a long term care social worker, I decided to venture out and get my Administrator license, which I obtained in 2021. I have been the current administrator at St. Otto's Care Center for 16 months. </p><strong><div><strong><br></strong></div>What started the Quality Award journey for your center?</strong> <br><br><a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/publications/baldrige-excellence-framework" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">The Baldrige Framework</a> was dropped on my desk in 2014 without any explanation. After researching the Baldridge Framework and what it meant, we applied for the Bronze level in 2015, and in 2016 we earned the award. The framework opened our minds and helped us see a bigger picture of our organization and how systematic processes are vital for our success. After receiving the Bronze award, we worked on systems within the organization, and when we felt we were ready, we applied for the Silver award. In 2018, St. Otto's earned the Silver award. As an independent family-owned organization, we were challenged with time, resources, and team members to assist in writing the Silver application. The application was intense, and spending hours with one other team member feeling like we were writing a thesis paper, became our drive to continue to strive for excellence within the organization. <br><br><strong>What has the award meant to you and your team?</strong><br><br>It is not about the award, but the knowledge and skills learned throughout our journey. Sharing our success with team members has been gratifying. Helping team members understand how their daily contribution to the organization goes far beyond the daily grind of their job and the organization's walls. Showing team members where we are now and where we were is a reward that gives us a sense of pride and purpose. Someone once told me, 'Danna, you can't save the world,' and I always say, 'well, at least I can try.' <br><br><strong>What are the lessons you have learned along the way?</strong><br><br>Slow and steady is the key. Focus on one area at a time; otherwise, it becomes too overwhelming. Keep it simple, answer the questions, and don't second guess yourself. <br><br><strong>What advice would you give to a provider considering applying for an award but unsure?</strong><br><br>I would take the bull by its horns and do it. Start with the Bronze and see what your organizational profile looks like. Sharing just that with our team provided a snapshot of who you are and what your organization is trying to accomplish. The Baldridge journey is a great opportunity. It will not be easy; if it is, you are doing it wrong. <br><br><strong>Do you plan to continue the journey and apply at the next level, and why?</strong> <br><br>Yes. We have been working on the Gold level on and off for two years. We focus on one area at a time. Organizational improvement does not happen overnight. It takes time. It is not about getting the physical award, and it's not about becoming a 5-star rated organization. It's about system improvements and providing the best care to maintain our mission, vision, and values. <br><br>--------------------------------------<br><br><div>Are you a National Quality Award provider? We want to hear from you! <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7M6L6ZQ" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">Share your story with us</a>.<br>Visit the <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">National Quality Award</a> website for more information about the upcoming application year.<br><p><br></p></div> | | |
| Dr. Mark Blazey, AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Judge, Named Recipient of Baldrige Foundation Leadership Award | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Dr--Mark-Blazey,-AHCANCAL-Quality-Award-Judge,-Named-Recipient-of-Baldrige-Foundation-Leadership-Award.aspx | Dr. Mark Blazey, AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Judge, Named Recipient of Baldrige Foundation Leadership Award | | | | | 3/29/2023 4:00:00 AM | | <p><br></p><p>Dr. Mark L. Blazey, retired President of Quantum Performance Group, Inc. is being recognized by the Baldrige Foundation as a recipient of the Baldrige Foundation Leadership Award in the “Business” category. <br><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"> <img src="/PublishingImages/sponsor_headshots/MarkBlazeyImage.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p><span style="font-size:11pt;">“Dr. Blazey has had an incredible influence on the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program through his service as a past Judge, Examiner trainer, Quality Award Board member, and advocate,” said Holly Harmon, Senior VP, Quality, Regulatory & Clinical Services. “In our program, Dr. Blazey played a pivotal role in revamping our Examiner training, standardizing elements of our review process, and helping recruit other Baldrige experts in serving as Examiners and Judges. His impact on our organization’s program is hard to measure, and we are thrilled to learn of this special recognition of Dr. Blazey’s work to improve quality care.” <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>Dr. Blazey has an extensive background helping organizations achieve top levels of performance excellence. He served as a senior examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award from 1995 to 1999 and served as a national alumni examiner in 2013. Dr. Blazey served on the Baldrige Panel of Judges for the education pilot project to expand coverage of the Baldrige criteria to the education sector. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>The Foundation Awards for Leadership Excellence recognize leaders who “provide exceptional support to Baldrige and the Foundation’s mission, helping to sustain Baldrige into the future the future, and promoting the positive impact of Baldrige on organizational and community success,” according to the Baldrige Foundation’s </span><a href="https://baldrigefoundation.org/news-resources/press-releases.html/article/2023/01/17/baldrige-foundation-announces-2023-leadership-award-recipients" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">website</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">. As a recipient, Dr. Blazey is recognized as an individual who has contributed outstanding service on a sustained basis and demonstrated personal dedication and self-sacrifice in support of the mission of the Baldrige Foundation to support organizational performance excellence in the United States and throughout the world. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>In addition to his work supporting the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program for over 10 years in various capacities, Dr. Blazey served as a judge for the Wisconsin Forward Award, and lead judge for the United States Army Communities of Excellence Award, and the quality awards for New York, Delaware, Vermont, and Aruba. Dr. Blazey has written books and articles on quality and organizational performance improvement including the American Society for Quality–Quality Press’s best seller Insights to Performance Excellence for Business, Insights to Performance Excellence in Education, and Insights to Performance Excellence in Health Care. He is a senior member and Certified Quality Auditor of the American Society for Quality. <br></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br>To learn</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> more about the AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards Program, please visit the program </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">website</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">. </span></p> | Dr. Mark L. Blazey, retired President of Quantum Performance Group, Inc. is being recognized by the Baldrige Foundation as a recipient of the Baldrige Foundation Leadership Award in the “Business” category. | |