Starting Your Quality Award Journey? Three Things to Know
Are you considering applying for the 2026 Quality Award Program for the first time?
- Congratulations, you’re about to embark on a meaningful journey of organizational learning and improvement!
To help you get started, here are three key steps to set yourself up for success.
- Join the First-Time Applicant Hour
- Submit Your Intent to Apply
- Sign up for VHCA-VCAL’s complimentary workshops to help you start writing your application.
Join the First-Time Applicant Hour: Begin your application journey with confidence by attending the First-Time Applicant Hour—an introductory webinar designed specifically for new applicants.
In this session, you will:
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- Discover the structure and purpose of the Quality Award Program.
- Learn how participating can help you reflect on and improve your organization’s processes.
- Explore the key steps to begin your journey with clarity and confidence.
- Engage in a live Q&A with program staff to get your questions answered directly.
First-Time Applicant Hour
September 25, 2025 | 3:00 pm
Submit Your Intent to Apply: Show your commitment to quality by submitting an Intent to Apply (ITA) for the 2026 Quality Award.
This step offers several benefits including:
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- Reduced application fee
- Access to exclusive program resources
- Early engagement with the application process
Submit your ITA through the Quality Award Portal. For assistance submitting your ITA in the Quality Award Portal, be sure to visit the Quality Award Portal Resource Center for helpful resources like a step-by-step How to Submit an ITA guide.
The deadline to submit your ITA is November 13, 2025 at 8:00 pm ET.
Visit the Portal today!
Sign up for the Bronze or Silver Virtual Quality Award Workshops: Understanding the Award Criteria & Writing a Successful Application to learn more about the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program.
The workshops are led by Silver Examiners for the Quality Awards Program and offer hands-on advice for writing your application.
Virtual Quality Award Workshops Understanding the Award Criteria & Writing a Successful Application
Bronze | October 28, 2025 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Silver | October 27, November 3, & 10, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm
