| Quality Award Deadline Extension | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Quality-Award-Deadline-Extension.aspx | Quality Award Deadline Extension | | | | | 1/23/2026 5:00:00 AM | | <div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">AHCA/NCAL has been made aware of a nationwide Microsoft system outage that occurred on January 22, 2026. This outage may have affected some members’ ability to submit their AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award applications. To ensure that all members have the opportunity to submit their Quality Award applications and payments, we are <strong>extending the submission deadline one week to Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET. </strong>Starting on Monday, January 26, members can log into the <a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal</a> and complete their application submission. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The AHCA/NCAL team is committed to ensuring every member has the time and opportunity needed to complete and submit their application. Thank you for your continued dedication to quality improvement and your pursuit of excellence. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">A few helpful reminders: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Not all applicants have been affected, and many applications have been received. To verify that your application has already been submitted, you can do one of the following: </span></li></ul><ol><ol><li>Confirm that you received a confirmation email titled “2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Application and Payment Confirmation” from <strong>donotreply@smartsimple.com</strong>. </li><li>Log into the <a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal</a>, select Current Applications and confirm the status of your 2026 application is “Submitted.” </li></ol></ol><ul><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">All applications and payments must be submitted through the <a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal</a>. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">If you encounter any problems with the portal, our <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Help-Documents.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal Resource Center</a> provides a variety of help documents. You’re also always welcome to reach out to our <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award team</a> with questions. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Thank you for your continued dedication to quality care and for being part of the Quality Award community!</span></div><div><br></div> | AHCA/NCAL is extending the 2026 Quality Award application deadline due to a nationwide Microsoft system outage. | |
| REMINDER: Applications for the 2026 National Quality Awards Cycle Due This Thursday | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/REMINDER-Applications-for-the-2026-National-Quality-Awards-Cycle-Due-This-Thursday.aspx | REMINDER: Applications for the 2026 National Quality Awards Cycle Due This Thursday | | | | | 1/20/2026 5:00:00 AM | | A friendly reminder that the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program application deadline is <em><strong>this week</strong></em>!<br><br>Applications are due no later than <strong>Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 8 PM ET</strong>.<br><br>As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Quality Award Program, this is a great opportunity to reflect on your organization’s commitment to quality improvement, resident-centered care, and continuous learning.<br><br>A few helpful reminders:<br><br><ul><li>You may still apply even if you did not complete an Intent to Apply. </li></ul><div></div><ul><li>All applications must be submitted through the <a title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ff02bb3339b04b43dede614734b996788cc54cbf1c5a42b554eef38d62bcd2ed1c254120d6d109db174f7732eed05cbc59b71915236e91b7" data-linkto="https://" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ff02bb3339b04b43dede614734b996788cc54cbf1c5a42b554eef38d62bcd2ed1c254120d6d109db174f7732eed05cbc59b71915236e91b7&_gl=1%2awgxopy%2a_gcl_au%2aNTMyMTgzODE4LjE3Njc2NDY4MDg." data-linkindex="1" data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal</a>.</li></ul><div></div><ul><li>If you encounter any problems with the portal, our <a title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ff02bb3339b04b43f91c833e6f2b33c99ba7fa504e18311746eae38d2d82c13f2f8efe7a6d7789aa80c1fe0822da18017eb8105ea0523761" data-linkto="https://" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=ff02bb3339b04b43f91c833e6f2b33c99ba7fa504e18311746eae38d2d82c13f2f8efe7a6d7789aa80c1fe0822da18017eb8105ea0523761&_gl=1%2awgxopy%2a_gcl_au%2aNTMyMTgzODE4LjE3Njc2NDY4MDg." data-linkindex="2" data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award Portal Resource Center</a> provides a variety of help documents. You’re also always welcome to reach out to our <a title="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-linkto="mailto:" href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-linkindex="3" data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Award team</a> with questions.<br></li></ul><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Thank you for your continued dedication to quality care and for being part of the Quality Award community!</span><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody"></span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=REMINDER+Applications+for+the+2026+National+Quality+Award+Cycle+Due+January+22&utm_content=https%3a//www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteFontSize-3">APPLY NOW</strong></a><br></div></div> | | |
| Don’t Miss the 2026 National Quality Award Application Deadline | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Don’t-Miss-the-2026-National-Quality-Award-Application-Deadline.aspx | Don’t Miss the 2026 National Quality Award Application Deadline | | | | | 12/11/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Next year marks a special milestone – the 30th anniversary of the <a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=c2e0dd4fa0f78df4f0ce379c6c272e4f6838fccb6dc3623ce6fefde08df0e723545bda639c76e32c5c1aea68c3f74a053a9bdc3342578a13" data-linkindex="3" title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=c2e0dd4fa0f78df4f0ce379c6c272e4f6838fccb6dc3623ce6fefde08df0e723545bda639c76e32c5c1aea68c3f74a053a9bdc3342578a13" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program!</span></a> For three decades, this program has helped long term and post-acute care providers strengthen their systems, improve outcomes, and celebrate excellence in care. <br><br>If you are planning to apply for a 2026 National Quality Award, please remember that applications are due by <strong>January 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. </strong><br><br><strong>WHAT IF WE DIDN’T SUBMIT AN INTENT TO APPLY (ITA)? </strong><br>You can still apply! The ITA is not mandatory. While submitting an ITA provides benefits like discounted application fees and additional resources, it is not required to submit a Bronze, Silver, or Gold application. <br><br><strong>WHY APPLY? </strong><br>Whether this is your first time applying or you are advancing to the next level, participating in the National Quality Award Program can: </span><br><br><ul><li>Help you identify strengths and opportunities for improvement; </li><li>Support better outcomes for residents and staff; </li><li>Recognize your team’s hard work and commitment to quality; and <br></li><li>Highlight your organization as a leader in long term and post-acute care. </li></ul><strong>ACTION NEEDED:</strong> <br>Log into the <a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=c2e0dd4fa0f78df432bc0a1eb02bd08acb53e28fb79213bde805b2d5b7fadc14b03ad1bb5348a17312dda824a9c84a00e8fece78c3c43597" data-linkindex="4" title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=c2e0dd4fa0f78df432bc0a1eb02bd08acb53e28fb79213bde805b2d5b7fadc14b03ad1bb5348a17312dda824a9c84a00e8fece78c3c43597" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Quality Award Portal</span></a> to complete your application, then submit it no later than January 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. We encourage you not to wait until the last minute in case you encounter any technical or internal delays. <br><br>Thank you for your ongoing commitment to quality. We look forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary year by recognizing providers like you who go above and beyond for the individuals you serve. <br><br>Questions? Contact <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-linkindex="5" title="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">qualityaward@ahca.org</span></a>. <br> | | |
| Our Quality Story: With Administrator at Sumner Place Kaitlin Clegg | https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Our-Quality-Story-With-Administrator-at-Sumner-Place-Kaitlin-Clegg.aspx | Our Quality Story: With Administrator at Sumner Place Kaitlin Clegg | | | | | 11/12/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <strong></strong><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Kaitlin Clegg serves as the Administrator at Sumner Place, a skilled nursing and assisted living facility in Lincoln, Nebraska</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>.</strong> The community received a 2025 AHCA/NCAL Silver National Quality Award, reflecting a strong commitment to its staff, residents, families, and the local community.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>The Quality Journey from Start to Now</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">For Kaitlin, the Quality Award process has been a significant learning experience: “Bronze is really an overview of who you are as a company. </span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">You don't have to do a ton of data during that phase, but it gives you a solid foundation, and it starts helping to you think about that quality journey.</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">When it came to pursuing Silver, the team chose to wait until they were truly ready after Kaitlin became a Silver Examiner and realized their systems needed more evaluation: “There were things we were doing and improving, but we weren’t asking why we did them or how to make them better. Silver really helped us identify those changes, and it allowed us to communicate with our team more effectively about what we were working on. It’s been good to show them the improvements we’ve made and what that looks like.”</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"><strong>Valuing People</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">At Sumner Place, valuing people is more than a principle, it’s the daily mission: “Our mission statement is ‘dignity in life’. Even when we interview people, we ask, ‘What does dignity in life mean to you?’ For us, it means treating everyone as the most important person.</span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“This value is woven into the culture of recognition. Families often praise staff, and when they do</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> we write that team member a thank you card letting them know that happened. We also have ‘yes I can’ cards that say, ‘thank you for having a yes I can attitude’ and people can write on the back of them thanking them for the teamwork they did. Those cards become nominations for team member of the month, and t</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">he honoree receives recognition, a reserved parking space, and a gift card. That’s how we make sure people are appreciated for who they are and what they do.” </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"><strong>Customer-Focused Excellence</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Sumner Place’s mission of dignity in life plays a large role in the service it provides to residents and families: “There are so many examples of our staff going above and beyond. One program we partner with is Dream Weaver, which is similar to Make-A-Wish but for the elderly. Our life enrichment team has helped nearly every qualified resident fulfill a dream, from simple wishes like lunch with family to bigger experiences like going to a Husker football game for the first time. Every day there are instances of staff making a difference.”</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"><strong>Innovation</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Sumner Place embraces and encourages change when it benefits the daily lives of residents: “Excellence is one of our core values, which means we never want to become stagnant. For example, our food council has been a great thing. Having the residents try different things and seeing if they like it, and if they like it, then we put it as one of our monthly dishes. Having those ‘what if’ conversations and those small but impactful innovations really seem to make a difference.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </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"><strong>Societal Contribution</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Beyond the facility, Sumner Place builds strong connections with the local community. One highlight is their partnership with a nearby elementary school: “The kids come in at least once a month to do something with our residents. For example, in May, when they were out of school, they came and did sidewalk chalk art for all our residents and spent time with them outside.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Sometimes the residents will pass out lemonade or ice cream as the kids are walking home from school. They've also done crafts together. It varies, but our residents really love to sit outside with a stand and hand stuff out to the kids. That's their favorite thing.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Looking Forward</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Looking ahead, Kaitlin and her team are focused on growth and preparation to achieve the Gold Quality Award: “I think for us to get to Gold we need to sit down, make sure our operational goals truly fit, and evaluate what it looks like to truly get us to where we need to be. I think we still have room to grow. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Our plan is to have an outline of what we need for Gold and what that looks like. We want to make sure this year we have everything implemented and confirm that our team is on board and all on the same page. But that’s our plan, so in a year or so we'll be writing gold and submitting and hopefully receiving it.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Final Advice</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">After achieving the Silver level in the Quality Award journey, Kaitlin shared some final advice encouraging others to take the first step: “Even if you submit and you don't get [the award], it at least gives you a report that can help you evaluate to move forward. Not applying is the worst thing you could do because you're not evaluating or moving forward, so my advice is try to write it. Even if you aren't ready to submit, you are at least in the process of doing it.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“As long as every building is trying to improve, trying to evaluate what they're doing, and have quality care, I think having that in the forefront with the Quality Awards is very impactful.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":300}"> </span></div> | | |