National Quality Award Program

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 SUBMIT YOUR 2024 Application

The Intent to Apply period has ended. All ​applications must be submitted by 8 pm EST on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

If you need help with navigating the Portal, tap hereContact us at qualityaward@ahca.org with any questions. 

 2024 APPLICATIONS, RESOURCES AND KEY DATES

2024 Bronze, Silver, and ​Gold application packets and resources are available. Scroll down to Bronze, Silver or Gold to download materials and link to resources. Save the date! 

 Share Your Story

The experiences you share with us play a vital role in promoting continuous improvement and driving excellence in long term and post-acute care. Please share how the Quality Award journey has impacted your organization’s outcomes and quality of care. Your story might be featured during AHCA/NCAL’s Delivering Solutions Convention and/or in communications that promotes the program.​ Submit your story!

 

 

Last Chance to Submit Your Intent to Apply for 2024 National Quality Award https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Last-Chance-to-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-2024-National-Quality-Award-.aspxLast Chance to Submit Your Intent to Apply for 2024 National Quality Award 11/13/2023 5:00:00 AM<strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">The final deadline is only days away! </strong><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=takeaction&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Submit your 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply</strong></a><a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Last-Chance-to-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-2024-National-Quality-Award-.aspx?ControlMode=Edit&DisplayMode=Design" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"></a><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"> before the deadline on Thursday, November 16 at 8 PM ET!</strong><div style="text-align:center;"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></strong></a><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:14.6667px;text-align:center;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">SUBMIT NOW</strong><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"> IN THE PORTAL</strong></a>​</strong></div><div><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></div><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">​The </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=takeaction&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">National Quality Award Program</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2"> recognizes and celebrates the tireless efforts of long term care providers who commit to a journey of delivering high-quality care, fostering innovation, and enhancing the lives of residents and staff.</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Take this step towards m​aking a positive impact on the lives of your residents and staff and being a beacon of excellence.</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Last-Chance-to-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-2024-National-Quality-Award-/7.png" alt="7.png" class="ms-rteImage-4 ms-rtePosition-1 ms-rteFontSize-2" style="width:176px;" /><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong><em>Mark Parkinson, President and CEO, AHCA/NCAL</em></strong></span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">"Reflecting on the outstanding achievements of nearly 500 long term care organizations celebrated for their commitment to quality in 2023 fills me with immense pride. Your dedication to excellence has set a remarkable example for our profession.</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">​“As we look ahead, I'm excited about the prospect of even more providers joining this transformative journey. Declare your intent to apply for a 2024 National Quality Award and continue the legacy of improving lives for both residents and staff."</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br>​<br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><em><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Last-Chance-to-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-2024-National-Quality-Award-/1.png" alt="1.png" class="ms-rtePosition-1 ms-rteImage-4" style="margin:5px;width:176px;" />LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director, NCAL</em></strong><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“I am incredibly proud of all the hard work and dedication assisted living communities have put into the National Quality Award Program. </span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><div><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“This year, we recognized more assisted living communities with a National Quality Award since the pandemic. It's truly heartwarming to see the impact we've made on the lives of countless residents and staff. But you know what? I believe we can do even better. I want to challenge each and every assisted living community to step up and declare their intent to apply for a 2024 National Quality Award. <br><br>“Let's not just meet our past successes; let's exceed them. Together, we can continue to raise the bar for quality care, touching more lives and making a difference that truly matters. Your dedication is the heartbeat of our industry, and I have no doubt that you have what it takes to achieve even greater heights in 2024. Let's make it a year to remember!"<br></span></div><div><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><span><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">SUBMIT NOW</strong></span><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"> IN THE PORTAL</strong></a><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Help-Documents.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">NEED HELP NAVIGATING THE PORTAL? </strong><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">HELP RESOURCES AVAILABLE</strong><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2"> HERE​</strong></a><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">.</strong><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><p><a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">EMAILTHE QUALITY AWARD TEAM WITH ANY QUESTIONS</strong></a><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">!</strong><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></p><p><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-2">Visit <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=takeaction&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">ahcancal.org/QualityAward​</a> to learn more.</strong></p>​<br class="ms-rteFontSize-2">​<img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Last-Chance-to-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-2024-National-Quality-Award-/Untitled%20design%20(10).png" alt="Untitled design (10).png" class="ms-rteImage-4" style="margin:5px;" /><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">​</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"></div>
Don't Miss Your Chance to Submit a 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Don't-Miss-Your-Chance-to-Submit-a-2024-National-Quality-Award-Intent-to-Apply-.aspxDon't Miss Your Chance to Submit a 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply 11/7/2023 5:00:00 AMLong term care providers are committed to providing the highest standard of care to their residents.<div><br>One of the most powerful ways to highlight this dedication to quality care is by participating in the National Quality Award program. </div><div><br></div><div>By participating in the program, providers not only raise the bar for quality care but also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of their staff and the improved quality of life for their residents. </div><div><br></div><div>Don't let this opportunity pass you by. <strong><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">Submit your intent to apply by the deadline next Thursday, November 16, at 8 PM ET​</a></strong>, and let's continue the journey toward excellence in long term care. <br><br>Your commitment to quality deserves to be recognized!<br><br><div style="font-size:14.6667px;text-align:center;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong>SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO APPLY NOW </strong></a></div><br style="font-size:14.6667px;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:14.6667px;"></a><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Contact the Quality Award team at </span><a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:14.6667px;">qualityaward@ahca.org</a><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> if you have questions or need assistance.</span><br><br><strong>Are you looking for other ways to participate in the National Quality Award program? </strong><strong style="font-size:14.6667px;">Become an Examiner before the deadline on Thursday, November 9 at 5pm ET.</strong><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">One of the best ways to understand the demands of the criteria is to serve as a Silver or Gold Examiner. The Quality Award Program is looking for individuals interested in learning more about quality improvement and performance excellence to serve as Examiners. Benefits of volunteering with the program include training on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria, CEUs, opportunities for professional development, and networking with other industry professionals. Click</span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:14.6667px;">here</a><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">to learn more.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">​</span></div><div><br></div>
Become a National Quality Award Examiner before Thursday, November 9https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Become-a-National-Quality-Award-Examiner-before-Thursday,-November-9.aspxBecome a National Quality Award Examiner before Thursday, November 911/7/2023 5:00:00 AM​​One of the best ways to understand the demands of the National Quality Award program is to serve as a Silver or Gold Examiner. The program is looking for individuals interested in learning more about quality improvement and performance excellence to <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">serve as <strong>Examiner​s before the deadline on Thursday, November 9 at 5pm ET​</strong></a>.<br><br>The benefits of volunteering with the program include training on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria, earning CEUs, accessing opportunities for professional development, and networking with other industry professionals. Click <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more and join!<div><br></div><div>If you have any questions, please contact us at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">qualityawa​rd@ahca.org</a>. <br><br></div>
Only 2 Weeks Left to Submit Your Intent to Apply for a 2024 National Quality Awardhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Only-2-Weeks-Left-to-Submit-Your-Intent-to-Apply-for-a-2024-National-Quality-Award.aspxOnly 2 Weeks Left to Submit Your Intent to Apply for a 2024 National Quality Award10/31/2023 4:00:00 AMTime is of the essence for long term care providers aiming to earn national recognition for their commitment to excellence. With just two weeks remaining, the deadline to submit an Intent to Apply for the 2024 National Quality Award year is fast approaching. <br><br>Applying for a <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">National Quality Award</a> is not only a badge of honor but also an invaluable step towards continuous improvement, benchmarking, and improving outcomes for residents and staff.<br><br>Don't delay—<strong>mark November 16 at 8 pm ET on your calendar</strong> and submit your Intent to Apply today to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in long term care. Your dedication deserves to be recognized and celebrated!<div style="text-align:center;"><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong>SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO APPLY NOW </strong></a></div><br><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=QAITA" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"></a>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> if you have questions or need assistance.<span style="font-size:11pt;">​</span><div><br></div>


​The Award Levels

 Bronze Award

About 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 im​provement 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

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Bronze Key Dates

Notification
June 3, 2021

 Silver Award

About 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

About 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
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.​
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