From Bronze to Silver: Advancing Your Quality Improvement Journey

Quality Award
 

Is your long term or post-acute care center committed to delivering high-quality care and improving resident outcomes? The National Quality Award Program invites you to take the next step in your performance excellence journey by applying for the Silver Award. 

Building on the foundation established at the Bronze level, the Silver Award helps organizations deepen their quality improvement efforts and prepare for the advanced criteria of the Gold Award. Whether you're advancing from Bronze or returning to strengthen your application, here’s how to set yourself up for success: 

Key Resources for Silver Applicants
  • The Anatomy of a Response: Silver Award Criteria Learning Series
    Join us for a new two-part webinar series designed to help you interpret Silver Award criteria and craft stronger responses. In Part 1, Examiners will break down selected criteria and share tips for effective responses. Participants can submit sample responses for live feedback in Part 2.

    Part 1: October 15 at 2:00 PM EST
    Part 2: November 18 at 2:00 PM EST 

  • Silver Application Packet 
    This comprehensive packet includes program policies, guidance for completing your application, and the full set of criteria questions with helpful notes. 

  • Silver Criteria Series 
    Educational videos that walk through each section of the Silver criteria, helping you understand and respond with clarity. 

  • Silver Submission Template 
    A practical tool to organize and build your responses, outlined with the Silver criteria codes. 

The 2026 Intent to Apply (ITA) process is open and available through the Quality Award Portal. Submitting your ITA by Thursday, November 13, 2025, gives you access to exclusive resources and a discounted application fee, making it a smart first step in your Silver journey. 


Visit the Quality Award website for 2026 Silver materials and contact the Quality Award Program at qualityaward@ahca.org​​ with questions or inquiries.