| New to the Quality Award Journey? Here's How to Start! | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-to-the-Quality-Award-Journey-Here's-How-to-Start!-.aspx | New to the Quality Award Journey? Here's How to Start! | | | | | 9/1/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Considering applying for the 2027 Quality Award Program for the first time? Congratulations—you're about to embark on a meaningful journey of organizational learning and improvement! To help you get started, here are two key steps to set yourself up for success. </div><div><strong style="font-size:11pt;"><br></strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>1. </strong></span><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Join the First-Time Applicant Hour </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Begin your application journey with confidence by attending the First-Time Applicant Hour—an introductory webinar designed specifically for new applicants. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">In this session, you will: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Discover the structure and purpose of the Quality Award Program. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Learn how participating can help you reflect on and improve your organization’s processes. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Explore the key steps to begin your journey with clarity and confidence. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Engage in a live Q&A with program staff to get your questions answered directly. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Date:</strong> September 10, 2026 </span></div><div><strong>Time: </strong>3PM EST </div><div><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/first-time-applicant-hour-intro-to-the-quality-award-journey-2#tab-product_tab_overview" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Register today! </strong></a></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>2. Submit Your Intent to Apply </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Show your commitment to quality by submitting an Intent to Apply (ITA) for the 2027 Quality Award. This step offers several benefits including: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Reduced application fee </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Access to exclusive Program resources </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Early engagement with the application process </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Submit your ITA through the Quality Award Portal. For assistance submitting your ITA in the Quality Award Portal, be sure to visit the <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Help-Documents.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal Resource Center</a> for helpful resources like a step-by-step <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/Portal%20Help/Submitting%20a%20Payment.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">How to Submit an ITA</a> guide. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Deadline: </strong>November 12, 2026 </span></div><div><strong>Time:</strong> 8PM ET <br></div><div><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>Visit the Portal today! </strong></a> <br></div><p></p> | Considering applying for the 2027 Quality Award Program for the first time? | |
| 2027 National Quality Award Portal & Intent to Apply Are Now Open | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/2027-National-Quality-Award-Portal-&-Intent-to-Apply-Are-Now-Open.aspx | 2027 National Quality Award Portal & Intent to Apply Are Now Open | | | | | 8/18/2026 4:00:00 AM | | The 2027 <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5Njd9AAEAAAAAAXpl4ymGIMDKvrAcpKB7fIcTYJqxo1CMU8DvYYdt-xkjnPRxOVoTuZHiFdE00Hem2MpThydGeRGQ1hwvwsGjFdcsdFnQSqe0ZfvRhw&_gl=1%2a1qx900m%2a_gcl_au%2aMTAxOTcwNTIyNy4xNzgzMzU2Mzcx" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4" title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5Njd9AAEAAAAAAXpl4ymGIMDKvrAcpKB7fIcTYJqxo1CMU8DvYYdt-xkjnPRxOVoTuZHiFdE00Hem2MpThydGeRGQ1hwvwsGjFdcsdFnQSqe0ZfvRhw" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Portal</span></a> is now open, and organizations interested in applying are encouraged to submit their Intent to Apply (ITA) by <strong>Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET.</strong><br><br>Organizations that submit an Intent to Apply will receive valuable benefits, including:<br><br><ul><li>A discounted application fee</li><li>Dedicated email communications throughout the application cycle</li><li>Access to exclusive educational resources, including webinars featuring application tips, best practices, and reminders to help guide you through the application process</li></ul>Participating in the <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5Njd9AAEAAAAAAXpl4ymIYRTNVcSNTn3GhHAOBCHOnIiSx5CANN_8i-v5u4ELrGy2D55i0Ic9WDsoCeM9j7_qip0bsbWsnQwkjShB7DqIKKgvBenr_g&_gl=1%2a1qx900m%2a_gcl_au%2aMTAxOTcwNTIyNy4xNzgzMzU2Mzcx" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5" title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5Njd9AAEAAAAAAXpl4ymIYRTNVcSNTn3GhHAOBCHOnIiSx5CANN_8i-v5u4ELrGy2D55i0Ic9WDsoCeM9j7_qip0bsbWsnQwkjShB7DqIKKgvBenr_g" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">National Quality Award Program</span></a> offers far more than recognition. The application process provides a proven framework for evaluating your organization's performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and driving meaningful quality outcomes. It also serves as an excellent team-building opportunity, engaging staff at every level of your organization in a shared commitment to excellence.<br><br>Whether you're beginning your Quality Award journey or advancing to the next award level, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources available and submit your Intent to Apply before the deadline.<br><br>We look forward to seeing your organization participate in the 2027 National Quality Award Program!<br><br>Questions or need assistance? Contact <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-linkindex="6" title="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">qualityaward@ahca.org</span></a> or visit our <a href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5Njd9AAEAAAAAAXpl4ymM1zyijCMwo714mj83yvPljqhEjZGSkBENlk64kFBUVXJFr64k8zCx5LC-GWONz61Rkeb_xg9jsxE_wfeWglEmb6Y_g7q5pg&_gl=1%2auvu20k%2a_gcl_au%2aMTAxOTcwNTIyNy4xNzgzMzU2Mzcx" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="7" title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5Njd9AAEAAAAAAXpl4ymM1zyijCMwo714mj83yvPljqhEjZGSkBENlk64kFBUVXJFr64k8zCx5LC-GWONz61Rkeb_xg9jsxE_wfeWglEmb6Y_g7q5pg" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Quality Award Portal Resource Center</span></a>.<br> | | |
| Two Long Term Care Facilities Earn Prestigious AHCA/NCAL Gold National Quality Award | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Two-LTC-Facilities-Earn-Prestigious-Gold-National-Quality-Award.aspx | Two Long Term Care Facilities Earn Prestigious AHCA/NCAL Gold National Quality Award | | | | | 8/6/2026 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 long term and post-acute care providers across the country, today announced the recipients of the 2026 </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><em>Gold – Excellence in Quality</em></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Award, the most prestigious and esteemed award level of the association’s National Quality Award Program. The program recognizes long term and post-acute care organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of quality to improve the lives of their residents. Gold recipients are among the best providers in the nation, recognized for their exceptional performance driven by sustainable, systematic, and effective practices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The 2026 </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><em>Gold – Excellence in</em></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><em> </em></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><em>Quality</em> </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Award recipients are:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>Clarkston Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong> (C</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>larkston, Washington</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>):</strong></span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">a 90-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center dedicated to providing personalized care that enhances the well-being and quality of life of every resident. Focusing on patient-centered rehabilitation and 24-hour skilled nursing care, the Clarkston team develops individualized treatment plans tailored to each resident's unique needs and goals in a compassionate, supportive environment. Guided by its commitment to always be a </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">“</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">Force for Good</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">”</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> in every interaction, the organization fosters a culture to always do the right thing each day. This dedication to continuous quality improvement and person-centered care has </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">established</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> Clarkston as a trusted resource in its community and reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence in long term and post-acute care.</span></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 data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>Todd-Dickey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center </strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>(</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>Leavenworth, Indiana</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"><strong>):</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> </span></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">a 62-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">center </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">providing long</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">term care, short-term rehabilitation, and specialized memory care for individuals living with dementia. As part of American Senior Communities, Todd-Dickey is guided by its mission "to compassionately serve each customer with quality care and excellence." </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">At the heart of the organization is </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing">a strong sense</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> of community, fostering a culture of “family taking care of family” that reflects the values of its close-knit rural community.</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="No Spacing"> Through its CARE values of Compassion, Accountability, Relationships, and Excellence, Todd-Dickey creates an environment where meaningful relationships, dignity, independence, and quality of life remain at the center of everything it does.</span></span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“The Gold award takes years of commitment and unmatched dedication to quality; it is not something organizations achieve overnight. They have engaged their teams and worked diligently for years,” <strong>said </strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL</strong>.</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> “These skilled nursing providers are truly the best of the best, and they should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished. Their leadership is raising the bar for our entire profession.”</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">At the Gold level, organizations must demonstrate sustained excellence in quality outcomes, leadership, strategic planning, workforce engagement, and resident-centered care. Gold recipients undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including an on-site assessment by trained examiners, to verify that their performance excellence practices are fully integrated throughout the organization and consistently deliver exceptional results.</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> O</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">nly 60 long term care facilities have reached this award level in program history.</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">This year, the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1996, more than 8,000 providers across the country have participated in the rigorous program to strengthen their operations, improve outcomes, and enhance the lives of residents and staff. This milestone anniversary highlights the program’s lasting impact on advancing quality care throughout the long term care profession.</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">“Achieving this level of excellence is incredibly rare, and these providers have earned their place,” <strong>said </strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> “The rigorous evaluation process ensures that only those who consistently demonstrate excellence receive this recognition. These recipients have set themselves apart as role models for the profession, and their achievement is one worth celebrating.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":259}"> </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">This year, AHCA/NCAL announced 258 Silver and 908 Bronze recipients – the highest number of recipients for both categories in the program’s history. The 2026 recipients will be celebrated at </span><a href="https://ds26.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 26, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">, October 11-14, 2026, in Boston, Mass. </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 2026 National Quality Award Program is supported by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: McKesson, Prevail by First Quality, Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare, and HealthCap. </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">To learn more about the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program and to see the full list of recipients, visit </span><a href="http://www.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">www.ahcancal.org/qualityaward</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div> | We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 Gold – Excellence in Quality Award, the most prestigious and esteemed award level of the association’s National Quality Award Program. | Skilled nursing providers from Indiana and Washington earn top-tier recognition for excellence in quality care |
| 2027 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Resources Now Available! | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/2027-AHCANCAL-National-Quality-Award-Resources-Now-Available!.aspx | 2027 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Resources Now Available! | | | | | 7/14/2026 4:00:00 AM | | <br><div style="text-align:center;"><em class="ms-rteFontSize-3">Jumpstart Your Journey with Criteria and Education Resources for the 2027 Cycle</em></div><br>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is pleased to announce the opening of the <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">2027 National Quality Award Program application cycle!</a><br><br>Before the Quality Award Portal opens, this is the perfect time to get to know the criteria and resources available to help you with your application journey. Helpful resources for each award level are available, such as:<br><br><ul><li>Month-by-month roadmap and action plans</li><li>Application criteria packet</li><li>Level-specific criteria video series</li><li>FAQs</li><li>Updated Renewal Policy</li><li>Survey Eligibility Tool – Available July 15th </li></ul>These resources (along with many more) are an excellent tool in helping you start or continue your Quality Award journey and can help you better understand the goals and expectations of the level you are trying to achieve.<br><br>Through engaging with the Quality Award Program, organizations benefit from valuable external insights and constructive feedback, become more resilient, boost performance, and earn recognition – all with the ultimate result of improving the quality of care and quality of life of residents. <br> <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">Quality Award website</a> to explore the 2027 education resources and jumpstart your organization's path to excellence!<br><br>Questions? Contact the <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Program staff</a>. <br><br><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">MARK YOUR CALENDARS!</strong><br>The 2027 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) will open in August. The ITA offers an opportunity for applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2027 to access exclusive resources and receive a discounted application fee. Mark your calendars!<br> | | |