Recognized for Quality
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program provides a pathway for providers of long term and post-acute care services to journey towards performance excellence. The program is based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program.
Member centers may apply for three progressive levels of awards: Bronze—Commitment to Quality, Silver—Achievement in Quality, or Gold—Excellence in Quality. Each level has its own distinct rigors and requirements for quality and performance excellence.
Applications are judged by trained Examiners who provide feedback on opportunities for improvement to support continuous learning.
As of 2025, Virginia has 60 active AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Recipients:
- 1 Gold—Excellence in Quality
- 7 Silver—Achievement in Quality
- 52 Bronze—Commitment to Quality
Award Application Timeline
AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program Portal
The Portal allows applicants to:
- Review the Quality Award Application Packets (Bronze, Silver, and Gold)
- Submit an Intent-to-Apply payment
- Submit a Quality Award Application and application fee
- Review and complete a Quality Award Examiner application
If you are applying for a National Quality Award, please read through the entire application before starting the process. We encourage all centers to start the application process early and to work continually throughout the coming months to ensure accurate and complete information is given. If you have any questions, please contact the Quality Award staff at qualityaward@ahca.org.
Important Dates to Remember (All deadlines are at 8:00 pm EST)
- November 14, 2025 – Intent-to-Apply Deadline
- January 22, 202+ – Quality Award Application Deadline
For more information on the National Quality Award Program and the Examiner process please visit the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program webpage.
