National Quality Award Program

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 ‭(Hidden)‬ You're Invited!

​Special Ceremony Honoring the 2024 National Quality Award Recipients
Monday, April 7 | ⏰ 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Eastern

Due to the cancellation of Delivering Solutions 24 (DS24), AHCA/NCAL's Convention & Expo, caused by Hurricane Milton, we are thrilled to host a special recognition ceremony to honor the 2024 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award recipients. These organizations have demonstrated a commitment to performance excellence and positively impacted the lives of residents and patients. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and dedication to quality improvement.

Location: AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit 2025 | Atlanta, GA
Monday, April 7 | ⏰ 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Eastern
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**Please note that 2025 National Quality Award recipients will be recognized at Delivering Solutions 25.**
 

 2025 Notification Dates
We are a few months away from announcing our 2025 National Quality Award recipients!​ Mark these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for more program updates.​
  • Bronze: May 29
  • Silver: June 26
  • Gold: August 8

 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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National Volunteer Week: Celebrating the Vital Role of Quality Award Examinershttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/National-Volunteer-Week-Celebrating-the-Vital-Role-of-Quality-Award-Examiners.aspxNational Volunteer Week: Celebrating the Vital Role of Quality Award Examiners4/22/2025 4:00:00 AM<p>​During National Volunteer Week, AHCA/NCAL acknowledges the valuable contributions of over 150 dedicated volunteers who annually dedicate numerous hours to evaluating and writing feedback to applicants for the Silver and Gold National <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Quality Awards</a>. These experienced <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Examiners</a>, who average more than five years of service, bring expertise from diverse sectors – including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, veterans homes, providers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), Quality Improvement Organizations, and state-based and international Baldrige Programs. Their impressive commitment underscores a shared dedication to enhancing quality within the long term care profession and are a vital part of the National Quality Award workforce. ​</p>During National Volunteer Week, AHCA/NCAL acknowledges the valuable contributions of over 150 dedicated volunteers who annually dedicate numerous hours to evaluating and writing feedback to applicants for the Silver and Gold National Quality Awards.
Honoring the 2024 Journeys of Excellencehttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Honoring-the-2024-Journeys-of-Excellence.aspxHonoring the 2024 Journeys of Excellence4/14/2025 4:00:00 AM<p></p><div>The National Quality Award <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Program</a> honored the 2024 Quality Award recipients last week during a special Quality Award Ceremony, highlighting their exceptional commitment to quality care and continuous process improvement. This national event brought together skilled nursing and assisted living awardees from across the country for an evening of recognition and celebration. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Achieving any award level within the Quality Award Program demonstrates a focus on excellence in all that they do and offer. Libby Care Center of Cascadia and Lofland Park Center, the two National 2024 Gold recipients, closed the evening sharing notes of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of ongoing quality improvement and its profound impact on the lives of those that they serve.  </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the Quality Award Stories <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Quality-Award-Stories.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">webpage</a> to learn about other quality journeys, share your story, and learn more about how to get involved.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></div><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Honoring-the-2024-Journeys-of-Excellence/Pic1.jpg" alt="Pic1.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br></div><div><div style="text-align:left;"><strong>Libby Care Center of Cascadia </strong></div><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Libby, MT ​​​​​​​​​​</strong></span></div><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>2024 Gold Quality Award Recipient </strong></span></div><div><br></div><div><img src="/News-and-Communications/Blog/PublishingImages/Pages/Honoring-the-2024-Journeys-of-Excellence/Pic2.jpg" alt="Pic1.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:736px;" /><br></div><div><div><strong>Lofland Park Center </strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Seaford, DE </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>2024 Gold Quality Award Recipient ​</strong></span></div><br></div><br></div><p>​</p>The National Quality Award Program honored the 2024 Quality Award recipients last week during a special Quality Award Ceremony, highlighting their exceptional commitment to quality care and continuous process improvement.
Exclusive 2024 Quality Award Recognition – Join Us at Quality Summit 2025!https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Exclusive-2024-Quality-Award-Recognition-–-Join-Us-at-Quality-Summit-2025!-.aspxExclusive 2024 Quality Award Recognition – Join Us at Quality Summit 2025!3/4/2025 5:00:00 AM<div><strong>You Earned It – Now Let’s Celebrate! </strong></div><div><br><span style="font-size:11pt;">The <a href="/Education-Events/Quality-Summit/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit</a> will feature a special recognition event exclusively for 2024 Quality Award recipients!</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> Since we were unable to honor your achievement at Delivering Solutions 24 due to Hurricane Milton, this is your opportunity to take the stage and be recognized for your outstanding commitment to quality care. </span></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Event Details: </strong></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Location:</strong> Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead, Grand Ballroom, Atlanta, GA </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Dates:</strong> April 7-9, 2025 </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Recognition Ceremony:</strong> April 7, 2025 | 4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Why Attend? </strong></span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Be Recognized on Stage – Your hard work deserves the spotlight! </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Network with Fellow Award Recipients – Connect with top long term care leaders. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Access Exclusive Education & Insights – Your registration includes general sessions, workshops, and the Quality Awards Reception. </span></li></ul></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Secure Your Spot – Limited Space Available! </strong></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Regist</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">ration Fee: $325 </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>How to Register: </strong></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Visit the Quality Summit <a href="https://corereg.cmrus.com/ahcaQS2025/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Registration Site</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Click Online Registration </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Enter your exclusive Quality Award Recipient Code that you have received in an email from the Quality Award team. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Need your discount code? Contact <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a>. </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Hotel & Travel Information: </strong></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Special group rates are available at: </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead (event venue) </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Embassy Suites Atlanta Buckhead </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Westin Buckhead Atlanta </span></li></ul></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Important:</strong> You must be registered for Quality Summit before booking your hotel. Rooms will fill quickly—reserve yours today! </div><div><br></div><div>Don’t miss this exclusive moment to celebrate your success! We can’t wait to honor you at Quality Summit 2025. </div><div><br></div><div>&#128073; <a href="https://corereg.cmrus.com/ahcaQS2025/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank"><strong>REGISTER NOW</strong> </a><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Questions? </strong>Contact the Quality Award Program team at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org</a>.  <br></div><p>​</p>The 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit will feature a special recognition event exclusively for 2024 Quality Award recipients!
Calling All 2025 National Quality Award Applications!https://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Calling-All-2025-National-Quality-Award-Applications!-.aspxCalling All 2025 National Quality Award Applications!1/21/2025 5:00:00 AM<p></p><div>Yet to apply for the 2025 National Quality Award? Now is the time! The deadline is approaching quickly, and all applications must be finalized and submitted by <strong>8 p.m. EST this Thursday, January 23, 2025. </strong></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Applications and Resources </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Whether you're navigating the Bronze, Silver, or Gold level, ensure you have accessed and reviewed the application packet and corresponding <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/nationalqualityaward" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Criteria Series</a> prior to your submission. Application packets and additional resources are available at <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">ahcancal.org/QualityAward</a>. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>How to Submit </strong></span></div><div><ol><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Log into the Quality Award <a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp?lang=1&prole=0" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Portal</a>. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Follow the <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Help-Documents.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">instructions</a> to complete and submit your application. </span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">​Keep in mind Bronze applications are written and submitted in the Portal, while Silver and Gold applications must be uploaded to the Portal as PDFs. </span></li></ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Confirm that your application is in the “Submitted” status. </span></li></ol></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><strong>Need Assistance? </strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the National Quality Award Program at <a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">qualityaward@ahca.org​</a>. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">​</span></div><p>​</p>Yet to apply for the 2025 National Quality Award?


​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
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.
  • 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

2024​ 

2023​ 

2022 

2021 
2020 ​

 Gold Application & Resources
Essential Resources
  • Month-By-Month Gold Roadmap
    Preparing to continue your Quality Award journey by applying for the Gold Award? This roadmap provides a suggested timeline and steps to use the right resources at the right time.
  • Gold Application and Criteria Packet
    This application and criteria are for all Provider types and includes essential information about the Gold Award, eligibility requirements, and deadlines.
  • Gold Submission Template
    Use this Submission Template to record your responses to the Gold Criteria. This template includes the criteria codes and must be converted to a PDF before uploading to the Portal.
  • Gold Criteria Video Series on ahcancalED
    The Gold Criteria Series are short videos, each covering an individual question in the Gold Criteria to help applicants work through each section of the application. Be sure to register your team on ahcancalED to access.
  • 2025 Gold Site Visit Recipient Characteristics
    To be recommended for a Site Visit an applicant must exhibit these characteristics.
  • 2025 Gold Quality Award Recipient Characteristics
    These are the characteristics that applicants must exhibit to be recommended for the Gold Quality award.
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Gold Key Dates

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 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 for your organization and your workforce.​
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 PORTAL

The 2025 National Quality Award application window is now closed.​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ New

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Multi-Facility Support Plan (MSP)
Is your organization submitting 15 or more applications in 2025? Consider signing up for this resource!

 Quality Award Recipients

 The Program

 Survey Eligibility

Check your Survey Eligibility by clicking the link below.

 Shop the Quality Award Store!
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 Learn About Baldrige

 Questions?

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Survey Eligibility
Check to see if your center meets the survey eligibility requirements of the program.

 Thank You 2025 Program Sponsors

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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.