If you are applying for a 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award, please remember that applications are due by January 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. If you did not submit an Intent to Apply (ITA), you may still apply – the ITA is not mandatory. While submitting an ITA offers benefits such as discounted application fees and access to additional resources, it is not required to submit a Bronze, Silver, or Gold application. Whether this is your first time applying or you are advancing to the next level, participation in the National Quality Award Program can help you identify organizational strengths and opportunities for improvement, support better outcomes for residents and staff, recognize your team’s hard work and commitment to quality, and highlight your organization as a leader in long-term and post-acute care.
To complete the National Quality Award application, log into the Quality Award Portal and submit no later than January 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. We encourage you not to wait until the last minute in case you encounter any technical or internal delays. For questions, contact qualityaward@ahca.org.