National Quality Award Program

National Quality Award Intent to Apply and Portal Now Open

We encourage applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2025 to submit​ an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  Learn more about the ITA process here.  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.​
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Submit-Along Webinar: Quality Award Intent to Apply How-Tohttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Submit-Along-Webinar-Quality-Award-Intent-to-Apply-How-To.aspxSubmit-Along Webinar: Quality Award Intent to Apply How-To10/1/2024 4:00:00 AM<p>​<span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Commit to a 2025 Quality Award journey and make your commitment to quality improvement and performance excellence known! Join Quality Award Program staff for a “Submit-Along” to complete your Intent to Apply submission.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></p><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Follow along as staff lead the step-by-step process for submitting an Intent to Apply in the Quality Award Portal. You will have the opportunity to address your questions, learn about resources, and work directly with Quality Award Program staff to ensure your Intent to Apply is completed!</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Remember that the Intent to Apply is not mandatory but has two key benefits:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}"> </span><br><br><ul><li><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Discounted application fee</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":259}"> </span></li><li><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Access to exclusive resources</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":220,"335559739":220,"335559740":259}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">If you do not have an account in the </span><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp?lang=1&prole=0" 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 Portal</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">,</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> it is recommended that you create an account 24 hours prior to this webinar.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Date:</strong></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> Thursday, October 17, 2024</span> <br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>Time:</strong></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> 2 PM EDT</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><br></div><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/national-quality-award-intent-to-apply-submit-along#tab-product_tab_overview" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><div style="text-align:center;"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-3"><strong>Reserve your spot today!​</strong></span></div></a><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":300,"335559739":300,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div>Join Quality Award Program staff for a “Submit-Along” to complete your Intent to Apply submission.
3 Ways to Engage with The National Quality Award Programhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/3-Ways-to-Engage-with-The-National-Quality-Award-Program.aspx3 Ways to Engage with The National Quality Award Program9/24/2024 4:00:00 AM​Have you ever wondered how to get involved in the Quality Award Program and showcase your commitment to leadership and quality? Here are three ways you can engage with the program.<br><br><strong>1. Submit an Application</strong><br>Demonstrate your dedication to quality by submitting an Intent to Apply (ITA) for the 2025 Quality Award! Applicants who submit an ITA will save on the overall application fee and receive exclusive resources from program staff. <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">You can submit your ITA through the Quality Award Portal</a>.  <div><ul><li><strong>Deadline: November 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET.</strong></li></ul><br><strong>2. Become an Examiner</strong><br>Gain a deeper understanding of the program criteria by serving as a Silver or Gold Examiner. Volunteering offers training on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria, CEUs, professional development opportunities, and the chance to network with other professionals. Learn more and apply on the Examiner website.<br><br><ul><li><strong>Application Opens: Thursday, September 26, 2024</strong></li><li><strong>Deadline to Apply: November 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET.</strong></li></ul><br><strong>3. Join the Quality Award Board</strong><br>The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board is seeking self-nominations for their upcoming election. This 12-member board oversees the strategic direction and critical functions of the program. Selection criteria:<br><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Expertise in continuous quality improvement and the long term and post-acute care field.</li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Experience and commitment to the Quality Award Program or similar initiatives.</li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Diversity in background, experience, and representation.</li></ul>Newly elected board members will serve a 3-year term beginning in January 2025. For more information, visit the Board's website.<br><br><ul><li><strong>​Deadline to Submit Self-Nomination: November 1, 2024.</strong></li></ul><br>For any questions, please contact the Quality Award 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><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></span></div><br></div>
Strive for Excellence in Quality Improvement with the Gold Awardhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Strive-for-Excellence-in-Quality-Improvement-with-the-Gold-Award.aspxStrive for Excellence in Quality Improvement with the Gold Award9/11/2024 4:00:00 AM<p>​Is your long term and post-acute care center or community committed to providing quality care and improving the lives of residents? The National Quality Award Program encourages you to continue your dedication to quality improvement efforts by taking the next step in your journey with the Gold Award level. </p><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The Gold Award helps applicants further develop the foundations laid by their Bronze and Silver awards for continued quality improvement. Here’s how you can prepare for a successful start with the Gold Award: </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><strong>Essential Resources for Gold Applicants: </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Comprehensive Gold Application Packet:</a> Review this packet as it contains program policies and key information on completing your application. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Documents/Silver/Silver%20Level%20Roadmap%20(1).pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Month-to-Month Roadmap:</a> Navigate the Gold application process effectively with this detailed guide and suggested timeline. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/nationalqualityaward" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">Gold Criteria Series:</a> Deepen your understanding of the Gold criteria through educational videos that cover each section of the application. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Gold Submission Template:</a> Build your application in this template, which outlines the Gold criteria codes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/2025-national-quality-award-program-kick-off?Token=47223a72-bfc1-43dc-91a0-41134d45296e" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Kick-Off Webinar Recording:</a> Gain insights and guidance from Quality Award staff to kickstart your application. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The 2025 Intent to Apply process is now open, and Gold applicants are encouraged to submit their Intent to Apply before the deadline on Thursday, November 14, 2024, to gain access to exclusive resources and receive a discounted application fee. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton">SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO APPLY </span>​</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Visit the Quality Award <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">website</a> for 2025 Gold materials and contact the Quality Award Program at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">qualityaward@ahca.org​</a> with questions or inquiries.  </span></div>Is your long term and post-acute care center or community committed to providing quality care and improving the lives of residents?
Quality Award Program Recipients Inspire Generationshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Quality-Award-Program-Recipients-Inspire-Generations.aspxQuality Award Program Recipients Inspire Generations9/11/2024 4:00:00 AMIn honor of <strong>National Assisted Living Week®</strong>, AHCA/NCAL’s National Quality Award Program proudly highlights the exceptional dedication to quality care and performance excellence demonstrated by Quality Award recipients. The profound impact of the services provided by assisted living providers across the nation is exemplified through their participation in the Quality Award Program. To date, over 1,000 assisted living organizations have earned a Quality Award, affirming their commitment to achieving and maintaining excellence in care quality.<br><hr />Throughout their Quality Award journey, recipients focus on:<br><br><ul><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Improving lives by providing high-quality care</li><li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">Continuously striving for performance excellence</li></ul>This dedication enables residents to lead fuller lives, inspiring generations within their communities. The contributions of staff and volunteers—who reignite passions and create vibrant experiences—are crucial to fostering greater community development.<br><hr />For those aspiring to join the ranks of Quality Award recipients or anyone interested in learning more about quality improvement through the Quality Award journey, visit the Quality Award webpage and <strong><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">submit an Intent to Apply by ​November 14, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET</a></strong>.<br>​<div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="color:#002b4a;text-decoration-line:underline;font-size:14.6667px;text-align:center;"><span class="ms-rteStyle-BlueButton">SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO APPLY </span></a></div><br></div>


​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
  • Month-By-Month Silver Roadmap
    Preparing to continue your Quality Award journey by applying for the Silver Award? This roadmap provides a suggested timeline and steps to use the right resources at the right time.
  • Silver Application and Criteria Packet
    This application packet includes important information about the Silver Award, eligibility requirements, and deadlines. Applicants must read this packet in full before beginning to write and submit their application.
  • Silver Submission Template
    Use this Submission Template to record your responses to the Silver Criteria. This template includes the criteria codes and must be converted to a PDF before uploading to the Portal.
  • Silver Criteria Video Series on ahcancalED
    The Silver Criteria Series are short videos, each covering an individual question in the Silver Criteria to help applicants work through each section of the application. Be sure to register your team on ahcancalED to access.
  • Silver Application FAQs
    Covers important FAQs and was put together by Examiners.
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

2023​ 

2022 

2021 
2020 ​

 Gold Application & Resources
Essential Resources
  • Month-By-Month Gold Roadmap
    Preparing to continue your Quality Award journey by applying for the Gold Award? This roadmap provides a suggested timeline and steps to use the right resources at the right time.
  • Gold Application and Criteria Packet
    This application and criteria are for all Provider types and includes essential information about the Gold Award, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
  • Gold Submission Template
    Use this Submission Template to record your responses to the Gold Criteria. This template includes the criteria codes and must be converted to a PDF before uploading to the Portal.
  • Gold Criteria Video Series on ahcancalED
    The Gold Criteria Series are short videos, each covering an individual question in the Silver Criteria to help applicants work through each section of the application. Be sure to register your team on ahcancalED to access.
  • Site Visit Recipient Requirements
    To be recommended for a Site Visit an applicant must exhibit these characteristics.
  • Gold Quality Award Recipient Characteristics
    These are the characteristics that applicants must exhibit to be recommended for the Gold Quality award.
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Gold Key Dates

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 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.​
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 PORTAL


DEADLINE: By 8 PM ET November 14, 2024

​Visit Help if you need any assistance.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ New

 Multi-Facility Support Plan (MSP)
Is your organization submitting 15 or more applications in 2025? Consider signing up for this resource!

 Quality Award Recipients

 The Program

 Survey Eligibility

Check your Survey Eligibility by clicking the link below.

 Shop the Quality Award Store!
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 Learn About Baldrige

 Questions?

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Survey Eligibility
Check to see if your center meets the survey eligibility requirements of the program.

 Thank You 2024 Sponsors

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​Quality Award Survey Requirements

These survey requirements resources provide applicants information on whether or not they currently meet the survey requirements to receive a Quality Award. A full description of the survey requirements at each level is available in the award level specific application packet.