VHS Awards

- Back

Continuous Quality Improvement
Earns AHCA/NCAL Recognition

September 6, 2006

Washington, DC – The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) will present Quality Awards to 104 long term care facilities that demonstrated a strong commitment to a systematic process for continuous quality improvement. Among those recipients were 3 of the Vetter Health Services facilities: Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska won the Step II award and the Step I award was presented to Brookestone Village in Omaha, Nebraska and Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

“Recipients of our Quality Award reflect the long term care profession’s commitment to meeting customers’ needs through a process of continuous quality improvement. Increasingly providers recognize how this translates into enhanced quality of care and quality of life for their residents,” said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Bruce Yarwood. “Recipients of this prestigious award know that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey, and that the destination of satisfied residents, families and staff makes the journey worthwhile.”

The Awards in 2006 consist of an entry level, Step I Award, and a more rigorous Step II Award. This year, 92 facilities will be recognized with the Step I Award, and an additional 12 facilities will receive the Step II Award.

The AHCA/NCAL Quality Award is informed by criteria from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is the nation’s premier recognition for quality achievement. AHCA/NCAL’s award recognizes the commitment to a continuous quality improvement process at nursing facilities, assisted living residences, and residences for persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. Recipient facilities have made quality outcomes and customer satisfaction top priorities.

Step I awardees developed solid vision and mission statements, and have developed systems to meet customer’s expectations, needs and satisfaction. Recipients at the Step II level addressed in detail aspects of leadership, strategic planning, information gathering and analysis, human resource development, and process management.

The Quality Award was created in 1996 and is part of AHCA/NCAL’s Quality First initiative. It is made possible through the work of dedicated examiners who review each application, select award recipients, and provide individualized feedback reports to all applicants. This year, 102 individuals, many of whom are healthcare providers or staff of Quality Improvement Organizations, volunteered their time for this effort. The award is proudly sponsored by McKesson Corporation and MyInnerview. The Quality Awards will be presented during AHCA/NCAL’s Annual Convention and Exposition, October 8-11, in San Antonio, TX.

- Back