WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is pleased to announce the appointment of two quality improvement leaders, Meera Riner and Andrea Aston, to the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board. Meera Riner, Chief Operating Officer of Nexion Health Management, Inc., based in Sykesville, Maryland, and Andrea Aston, Administrator at George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home in Ogden, Utah, will serve a three-year term starting January 2024.
"The addition of Meera and Andrea to the Quality Award board marks a significant milestone,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Their extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to enhancing quality in long term care complements the board’s existing strengths, further driving the Quality Award Program towards new heights of excellence."
Riner has been a national advocate, executive, and clinician in long term care for over 25 years. She is a recognized Baldrige Program Fellow and has received several accolades, including the 2020 McKnight’s Woman of Distinction Hall of Honor and the 2022 Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award. Riner has also served as a National Quality Award Program Examiner.
Aston has been instrumental in advancing quality improvement efforts as the Administrator of George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home. Under her leadership, the facility was awarded the prestigious 2019 National Gold Quality Award. She is a strong advocate for implementing the Baldrige Criteria and has served as a Quality Award Examiner.
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, inspired by the Baldrige Performance Framework, motivates long term care organizations to pursue systemic excellence. The Quality Award Board plays a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of the program, reflecting AHCA/NCAL's commitment to promoting quality across the sector.
Proudly sponsored by SnapCare, MatrixCare, HealthCap and PharMerica, the program underscores a dedication to improving long term care quality.