National Quality Award Program

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​About The Program

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a nationally recognized performance excellence program that helps long term and post-acute care organizations strengthen quality, improve performance, and achieve better outcomes.

Through a rigorous, three-level journey, participating organizations assess their performance against nationally recognized standards of excellence, identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, and build sustainable systems that support long-term success. More than an awards program, it provides a proven framework for continuous improvement and organizational excellence.

Organizations advance through three progressive award levels—Bronze – Commitment to Quality, Silver – Achievement in Quality, and Gold – Excellence in Quality—with each level requiring an increasingly comprehensive demonstration of performance, results, and commitment to quality.​

​

2027 Cycle Key Dates

  • Intent to Apply Deadline – Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 8pm ET
  • Application Deadline – Thursday, January 21, 2027 at 8pm ET​

3 Steps to Submit Your I​ntent to Apply

  1. Visit the Quality Award Portal.
  2. Login using your designated username and password.
  3. Navigate to your center's dashboard and select Payment to submit your Intent to Apply.​

​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
  • Month-By-Month Bronze Roadmap
    Wondering when and where to start your Quality Award journey? This roadmap provides a suggested timeline and steps to use the right resources at the right time.
  • 2027 Bronze Application and Criteria Packet
    This application and criteria is for all providers (SNF, ID/DD and AL)
  • Bronze Application Template
    This application template can be used to record your responses to the Bronze criteria, before inputting them into the Quality Award Portal.
  • Bronze Criteria Video Series on ahcancalED
    The Bronze Criteria Series are short videos, each covering an individual question in the Bronze Criteria to help applicants work through each section of the application. Be sure to register your team on ahcancalED.
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.
  • 2027 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

2025
  • Garden Park Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, LLC, Shreveport, LA
  • NHC Healthcare, Maryland Heights, Maryland Heights, MO
  • Nottingham Health and Rehabilitation , Olathe, KS
2024​ 

2023​ 

2022 

2021 
2020 ​

 Gold Application & Resources
Essential Resources
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Gold Key Dates

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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.aspxTwo 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!.aspx2027 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>
Record Number of Long Term Care Providers Earn Silver National Quality Awardhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/Record-Number-LTC-Providers-Earn-2026-AHCA-NCAL-Silver-National-Quality-Award.aspxRecord Number of Long Term Care Providers Earn Silver National Quality Award7/9/2026 4:00:00 AM<div><strong>​WASHINGTON, D.C. –</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 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award, the second level of the association’s National Quality Award Program. A record 255 recipients achieved Silver in 2026, as the Quality Award Program celebrates its 30-year anniversary. The program recognizes long term care organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of quality to improve the lives of their residents. This year’s Silver recipients include 171 skilled nursing facilities (SNF), 46 assisted living (AL) communities, 36 combined SNF/AL providers, and 2 intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across 43 states.  <br> <br>“Earning the Silver Quality Award reflects a skilled nursing or assisted living organization's dedication to turning its commitment to quality into measurable results,” <strong>said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.</strong> “This achievement requires commitment from every team member in every role, and together they have demonstrated that continuous improvement is embedded in their culture and guides the care they deliver every day. We congratulate our record number of Silver recipients on this significant achievement and thank the entire profession for embracing this nationally recognized program in the pursuit for excellence.” ​<br> <br>At the Silver level, organizations demonstrate how they systematically improve performance and achieve positive outcomes through effective approaches and processes. Applications are reviewed by a highly trained team of examiners using the nationally recognized Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework to evaluate how organizations deploy, assess, and refine their systems to drive continuous quality improvement. Recipients of the Silver Award are then eligible to pursue the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award, the program’s highest distinction. <br> <br>“Assisted living providers continue to raise the bar for person-centered care, and it is inspiring to see so many communities investing in the Quality Awards,” <strong>said LaShuan Bethea, executive director of NCAL.</strong> “Pursuing the Silver Award requires a tremendous commitment from leaders and staff alike, and I am proud of every assisted living community that has taken this important step in their quality journey.” <br> <br>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. <br> <br>“Silver Award recipients have proven that quality is more than a goal. It is rooted in the way they lead, operate, and serve others,”<strong> said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair.</strong> “Through their commitment to continuous improvement, these organizations are showing what it means to deliver quality care every day, and their leadership and dedication are helping to shape the future of long term care.” <br> <br>A full list of the 2026 Silver recipients is available on the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award web​site. Last month, AHCA/NCAL announced a record 894 organizations earned the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. The association will announce the recipients of this year’s Gold Award in August.  <br> <br>The 2026 National Quality Award recipients will be celebrated at Delivering Solutions 26, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 11-14, 2026, in Boston, Mass.  <br>  <br>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.  <br> <br>To learn more about the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, visit www.ahcancal.org/qualityaward.  ​<br></div>Today, AHCA/NCAL has announced a record 255 recipients of the 2026 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award, the highest number of Silver recipients in the National Quality Award Program’s 30-year history.255 recipients in 43 states are recognized for achievement in quality
AHCA/NCAL Announces 2026 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Announces-2026-Bronze-National-Quality-Award-Recipients.aspxAHCA/NCAL Announces 2026 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients 5/28/2026 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 2026 </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Bronze – Commitment to Quality</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Award recipients. The National Quality Award Program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of quality to improve the lives of their residents. This year marks the highest number of Bronze recipients in the program’s history, with 713 skilled nursing facilities (SNF), 150 assisted living (AL) communities, 25 combined SNF/AL providers, four intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD), and one residential care facility for ID/DD in all 50 states and the District of Columbia earning the Bronze Award. </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">“Congratulations to this year’s Bronze Quality Award recipients for commencing their quality journey,” <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"><strong>.</strong> “These providers are demonstrating a strong commitment to delivering quality care and improving the lives of residents every day. We are proud to recognize hundreds of providers for their dedication to excellence and look forward to seeing their 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">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 mission, vision, and other key factors that drive success. An esteemed group of trained examiners reviews each application to determine if the organization has met the demands of the award criteria, which is based on the nationally recognized Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework. After achieving the Bronze Award, recipients can pursue the Silver Award. </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">“Quality care starts with a commitment to continuous improvement, and this year’s Bronze Award recipients are embracing that challenge,” <strong>said </strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>LaShuan Bethea, executive director of NCAL.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> “Assisted living communities across the country are empowering their teams and creating better experiences for the residents and families they serve. We are proud to celebrate this important milestone in their quality journey.”</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">A full list of the 2026 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 in July 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 2026 National Quality Award 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>Today, we're happy to announce the 2026 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award recipients. A record 893 long term care providers in 50 states and the District of Columbia are recognized for commitment to quality. A record 893 long term care providers in 50 states and the District of Columbia are recognized for commitment to quality

 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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​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.