"Participation in the Quality
Award Program, both as an applicant and Examiner has been of immeasurable
benefit to me personally and professionally. Not only have I been able to
develop a marketable skillset, but I have created a knowledge base, a peer
network, and a best practice resource that has been of great value to me as an
individual and to what I contribute to my own organization. Serving as a
Master [now know as Gold] Examiner has been one of the most significant accomplishments of my
career and one that I am proudest of. In terms of importance and pride,
the knowledge and benefit that I have gained as a result of participation in
the Quality Award Program is second only to the differences I may have made at
the bedside." -
Alana Moore, Director of Quality and Performance Excellence, Sunrise
Senior Care
"My contribution as an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Examiner
has led me from the role of a CNA, speech pathologist, and licensed nursing
home administrator to that of the Chair of the AHCA Quality Improvement
Committee, member of the AHCA/NCAL Quality Cabinet, member of the NCAL Quality
committee, contributing faculty member for ahcancalED and more importantly to
the role of Quality Professional. I have met colleagues that have
furthered my ability to impact positive change through the implementation of
the Baldrige criteria and QAPI within a corporate multi-facility management
structure. The contacts that I have made as an Examiner have changed the path
of my life and my career, and my service has allowed me to impact centers
across the country." -
Stacey Merritt Hord, Vice President of Quality, Golden Living
“As I enter my third year as a
judge, I couldn’t be happier with my decision to serve AHCA. Bringing the
Baldrige Framework to organizations that serve our seniors and those in need of
skilled nursing care is critically important, and I’m proud to be at least a
small part of improving life for those individuals. The staff at AHCA is
dedicated to that same mission as well as to their volunteers – they value and
appreciate all that we do and we appreciate them back!” - Casey Mackert , Client Coach and the Director
of Baldrige Services for Six Disciplines Consulting Services
"I encourage alumni examiners to
volunteer as I have to help the AHCA program. AHCA’s initiative provides
me an extraordinary and immediate opportunity to impact the quality and
sustainability of skilled nursing and assisted living across the
nation. I am experiencing the passion commitment and innovation of
examiners, judges and an association that is making a difference in the lives
of Americans." - Kevin Deats,
Owner, Spire Quality Consulting
“As an Examiner for the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award,
you will have the opportunity to help drive performance excellence in the
long-term care industry. These organizations are very mission-focused,
and your work will help them learn how to more effectively meet the needs of
the residents/patients that they serve. In my opinion, the AHCA/NCAL
program is a role model performance excellence recognition program. Over
1000 long-term care facilities per year apply at three different levels of
recognition. Applicant organizations demonstrate a high level of
retention as these organizations progress through the Award levels. As an
Examiner, you will receive world-class training, then work with a small team to
assess and provide feedback to these organizations. Most of us know someone who
is currently receiving or has received long-term care. Our work makes
a difference!” - Paul
Grizzell, President, Core Values Partners, Inc