National Quality Award Program

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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.​

 ‭(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


**Please note that 2025 National Quality Award recipients will be recognized at Delivering Solutions 25.**
 

 IMPORTANT DATES

Mark these dates on your calendar and stay tuned for more program updates.​
  • 2026 application cycle begins: July 15, 2025
  • 2025 Gold recipients announced: August 8, 2025
  • ​Elevating Excellence Awards Ceremony: October 21, 2025
  • Intent to Apply deadline: November 13, 2025 (8 pm ET)
  • 2026 Application deadline: January 22, 2026 (8pm ET)

​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
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
Supporting Documents
Supporting Documents for Assisted Living

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2021 Gold Key Dates



 

 

Get Ready for the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awardshttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Get-Ready-for-the-2026-AHCANCAL-National-Quality-Awards.aspxGet Ready for the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards7/15/2025 4:00:00 AM​<span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">​The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 National Quality Award Program application cycle!<br><br>Through engaging with the Quality Award Program, organizations benefit from valuable external insights and constructive feedback, build a strong team, become more resilient, boost performance, and earn recognition – all with the ultimate result of improving the quality of care and quality of life of residents. <br><br>And this is a special year, as 2026 marks the Program’s 30th anniversary! Don’t miss your chance to join your peers on this quality journey as we celebrate three decades of excellence. Be sure to take advantage of the new and updated educational materials and resources that will help set you on the path to success. These are now available on the <a title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a11f658d839c70242ffbb65683a86efa7bfc7e313aed8bcefe20bee897f3f27505880667c653c337172e7da48e2dac7d0" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a11f658d839c70242ffbb65683a86efa7bfc7e313aed8bcefe20bee897f3f27505880667c653c337172e7da48e2dac7d0" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Quality Award website</span></a> and include all award levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. <br><br>Discover the incredible journeys of past recipients on the <a title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a9bc9a3c34a962503ac0805107a19e98da3e44bd1816a0dbb8307a225d8bbe49fb0a98bc411d4ecf1da1dc46a310603bb" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a9bc9a3c34a962503ac0805107a19e98da3e44bd1816a0dbb8307a225d8bbe49fb0a98bc411d4ecf1da1dc46a310603bb" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Quality Award Stories website</span></a>. Imagine sharing your story next year!</span><br><br>AHCA/NCAL is Committed to Your Success<br><br>To support your journey, the Quality Award Program team invites you to the 2026 Quality Award Program <a title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a951e3b1475a237034b3567c686c97acf0781102cc7ea5cff2e591e9d9488b25b286203e5ba194d9eaa6c6bd0df23e2c1" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a951e3b1475a237034b3567c686c97acf0781102cc7ea5cff2e591e9d9488b25b286203e5ba194d9eaa6c6bd0df23e2c1" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Kick-Off Webinar</span></a> on Thursday, July 31 at 3 PM Eastern.<br><br>This webinar will help you:<br><br><ul><li>Understand key deadlines and requirements;</li><li>Explore essential resources; and</li><li>Get your questions answered live.</li></ul><a title="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a8d2361ee119fe8fd6db492cd91bbaa56e97679cb2f0b9d43ed3d665676d1bb3a7055afd443358fa4eb21b1dab0ba329a" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://click.email.ahca.org/?qs=7a0514700035e13a8d2361ee119fe8fd6db492cd91bbaa56e97679cb2f0b9d43ed3d665676d1bb3a7055afd443358fa4eb21b1dab0ba329a" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Register</span></a> today to jumpstart your 2026 application and set your organization on the path to excellence!<br><br>More information will also be available soon on the 2026 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA). This offers an opportunity for those applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2026 to access exclusive resources and receive a discounted application fee.<br><br>Questions? Contact the <a title="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org?subject=" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-ogsc="rgb(4, 100, 152)">Quality Award Program staff</span></a>. <br><br>And a special thank you goes to our sponsors! The National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Prevail by First Quality, Rosie, and Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare.<br>
AHCA/NCAL Announces 2025 Silver National Quality Award Recipientshttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Announces-2025-Silver-National-Quality-Award-Recipients.aspxAHCA/NCAL Announces 2025 Silver National Quality Award Recipients6/26/2025 4:00:00 AM​WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) today announced the recipients of the <em>2025 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award</em>. The program recognizes long term and post-acute care facilities that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of their residents and staff. Among the 209 total recipients in 40 states are:<br><br><ul><li>142 skilled nursing care centers,</li><li>31 assisted living communities,<br></li><li>35 dual skilled nursing/assisted living organizations, and </li><li>1 intermediate care facility for individuals with disabilities. </li></ul>“I am so proud of our Silver recipients today," <strong>said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.</strong> “Achieving this award level reflects the pursuit of a <em>better way</em> to quality improvement—turning process into purpose. The strong dedication of these providers sets a powerful example for others in our profession to follow."<br><br>“The Silver Award level is no easy feat," <strong>said LaShuan Bethea, executive director of NCAL.</strong> “It is challenging to get to this level, and these recipients are not just meeting standards, they are going above and beyond to improve lives."<br> <br>Applicants must first achieve the <em>Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award</em> before applying and advancing to the Silver level. At the Silver stage, recipients demonstrate their dedication to continuous improvement by utilizing their organization's performance improvement system to evaluate and improve processes. This structured approach helps them enhance their processes, ultimately driving measurable and sustainable results.<br><br> "The Silver recognition reflects unwavering dedication to performance improvement,"<strong> said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair</strong>. “You are not only building better systems—you are building a better future for your teams, your residents, and your communities."<br> <br>A full list of the 2025 Silver recipients is available on the <a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/QualityAwardRecipients.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">AHCA/NCAL Quality Award website</a>.<br> <br>Last month, AHCA/NCAL announced 653 organizations earned the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. The Association will announce the recipients of the extremely prestigious Gold Award level in August.<br> <br>The 2025 National Quality Award recipients will be recognized during the Elevating Excellence Awards Ceremony at AHCA/NCAL's Convention & Expo: <a href="https://ds25.eventscribe.net/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083">Delivering Solutions 25</a>, in Las Vegas, Nev. on Tuesday, October 21. Registration to attend is open. <br><br>The 2025 National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Prevail by First Quality, Rosie, and Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare. <br>Today, we're excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award. This year, 209 total recipients in 40 states earned the Silver Award.209 long term and post-acute care providers earn national recognition for demonstrating achievement in quality
AHCA/NCAL Announces 2025 Bronze National Quality Award Recipientshttps://publish.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Announces-2025-Bronze-National-Quality-Award-Recipients.aspxAHCA/NCAL Announces 2025 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients5/30/2025 4:00:00 AM<div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong> – </strong>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 15,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, today announced the 2025 </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Bronze – Commitment to Quality</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> Award recipients. This year, 486 skilled nursing facilities (SNF), 129 assisted living (AL) communities, and 38 combined SNF/AL providers in 46 states earned the Bronze Award, the first of three levels in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The awards program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of quality to improve the lives of their residents.</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">“We commend this year’s recipients for taking this important first step on their quality journey,”<strong> said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. </strong>“Their commitment to continuous improvement and resident-centered care reflects the heart of our mission and lays a strong foundation for future excellence.”</span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">“Embarking on the Quality Award journey is an important and commendable choice,” <strong>said LaShuan Bethea, executive director of NCAL.</strong> “These recipients have demonstrated that they are ready to grow, learn, and lead with purpose—qualities that are essential to improving all aspects of the lives of our residents. We congratulate the 2025 Bronze recipients, and we are excited to see where this path takes them.”</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">The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they demonstrate a clear understanding of their organization’s mission, vision, and core values—who they are and what matters most to them. They also highlight the use of a performance improvement system that supports ongoing evaluation and helps refine their processes to achieve their goals. An esteemed group of trained examiners review each application to determine if the organization has met the demands of the award criteria. Recipients of the Bronze Award can now begin to work towards earning the Silver Award level. </span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">"Starting the Quality Award journey is about more than recognition—it’s about building a culture that puts quality first,” <strong>said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair.</strong> “Congratulations to each recipient for embracing that commitment and setting the stage for continued success.”</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">A full list of the 2025 Bronze recipients is available on the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award </span><a href="/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/QualityAwardRecipients.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">web​site</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">. The association will announce the recipients of this year’s Silver Award at the end of June, and the Gold Award recipients in August. </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">The 2025 National Quality Award Recipients will be recognized during the Elevating Excellence Awards Ceremony at AHCA/NCAL’s Convention & Expo: </span><a href="https://ds25.eventscribe.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Delivering Solutions 25</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">, in Las Vegas, Nev. on Tuesday, October 21. Registration to attend is now open.</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">The 2025 National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Prevail by First Quality, Rosie, and Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div>Today, we're happy to announce the 2025 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award recipients. This year, 486 skilled nursing facilities, 129 assisted living communities, and 38 combined SNF/AL providers in 46 states earned the Bronze Award.653 long term care providers in 46 states are recognized for commitment to quality
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.

 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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