The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, which recognizes nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities that demonstrate exceptional care and innovative efforts to enhance residents’ quality of life. Residents and family members may submit nominations by March 1, 2026, using DIAL’s paper or online forms; facilities may not nominate themselves. IHCA encourages providers to actively promote the nomination opportunity to residents and families to increase awareness and participation.
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Iowa has ranked third in the nation for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award applications in 2026, with IHCA members submitting 137 total applications – including the most Bronze applications and the second most Silver applications of any state. That represents a 38% increase over last year, underscoring Iowa providers’ strong commitment to quality improvement. Congratulations to all IHCA members who submitted an application this year – your dedication to continuous improvement and excellence continues to set Iowa apart.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and include performance data that will be publicly reported on Medicare’s Compare tool and the CMS Provider Data Catalog during the April 2026 refresh. The reports reflect quality measure data from various reporting periods, and providers have until Feb. 14, 2026, to review their information and request a CMS review if they believe scores are inaccurate. Only corrections made before the final data submission deadline will be reflected in the publicly reported data.
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AHCA/NCAL has extended the 2026 National Quality Award application deadline to tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CST. Members are reminded to submit all applications and payments through the Quality Award Portal and to verify submission status via a confirmation email or by checking the portal. Support resources and the AHCA Quality Award team are available for assistance.
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CMS has released an updated Technical Users’ Guide for the Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System. Beginning with the January 2026 refresh, CMS will replace the current long-stay antipsychotic quality measure with a revised version that uses Medicare and Medicaid claims and Medicare Advantage encounter data in addition to MDS data. The new measure will use decile-based scoring cut points based on provider performance data from Quarter 3, 2024 through Quarter 2, 2025, with details outlined in CMS Memorandum QSO-25-20-NH Revised.
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CMS has reported a known issue in the iQIES MDS 3.0 Resident-Level Quality Measure Report following the addition of the revised Percent of Long-Stay Residents Who Received an Antipsychotic Medication measure. When users run the report with an End Date on or after Oct. 1, 2025, the report footnote incorrectly displays the three-month reporting period, even though the data shown reflects Q3 2025 (07/01/2025–09/30/2025). CMS posted an expected resolution date of Jan. 20, 2026.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for provider review. These reports include quality measure performance scores that will be publicly reported on Medicare.gov’s Compare tool and the Provider Data Catalog during the April 2026 refresh. The data reflect multiple reporting periods across assessment, vaccination, claims-based and healthcare-associated infection measures. Providers have until Feb. 14, 2026 to review their reports and request a CMS review if they believe the displayed scores are inaccurate. Only corrections made to underlying assessment data prior to the final submission deadline will be reflected in publicly reported data. Reports can be accessed through iQIES, and assistance is available through the iQIES Service Center or CMS SNF QRP support.
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AHCA/NCAL 2026 National Quality Award applications are due tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, by 7:00 p.m. CST, with no exceptions for late submissions. Facilities can still apply even if they did not submit an Intent to Apply, and participation helps strengthen performance, improve outcomes and recognize your team’s commitment to quality.
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Applications for the 2026 National Quality Award Program are due by next Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7:00 p.m. CST. Organizations may still apply even if they did not submit an intent to apply. Participation in the National Quality Award Program helps providers identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, support better outcomes for residents and staff and gain recognition as leaders in long-term and post-acute care. Organizations are encouraged to complete and submit their applications through the Quality Award Portal ahead of the deadline to avoid technical or internal delays.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) is accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, which recognizes nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities that demonstrate exceptional care and innovative efforts to enhance residents’ quality of life. Residents and family members may submit nominations by March 1, 2026, using DIAL’s paper or online forms; facilities may not nominate themselves. IHCA encourages providers to actively promote the nomination opportunity to residents and families to increase awareness and participation.
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Applications for the 2026 National Quality Award are due by Jan. 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CST, and organizations may still apply even if they did not submit an intent to apply. Participation in the National Quality Award Program helps providers identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, support better outcomes for residents and staff and gain recognition as leaders in long-term and post-acute care. Organizations are encouraged to complete and submit their applications through the Quality Award Portal ahead of the deadline to avoid technical or internal delays.
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Applications for the 2026 National Quality Award are due by Jan. 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CST, and organizations may still apply even if they did not submit an intent to apply. Participation in the National Quality Award Program helps providers identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, support better outcomes for residents and staff and gain recognition as leaders in long-term and post-acute care. Organizations are encouraged to complete and submit their applications through the Quality Award Portal ahead of the deadline to avoid technical or internal delays.
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IHCA is offering a Bronze Quality Award Workshop this upcoming Tuesday, Dec. 2, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy. This hybrid workshop will guide participants through the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award application process while providing expert coaching and strategies for driving organizational performance. This workshop offers 5.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. New this year, participants can opt for a one-time application review by IHCA’s quality experts for personalized feedback before submission.
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Missing the National Quality Award Program’s Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline doesn’t prevent organizations from applying, since the ITA is optional and full applications aren’t due until Jan. 22, 2026. IHCA is offering a final Bronze Application Workshop on Dec. 2, with in-person and virtual attendance options, plus an optional application review to help providers strengthen their submissions.
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IHCA is offering a Bronze Quality Award Workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 2, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy. This hybrid workshop will guide participants through the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award application process while providing expert coaching and strategies for driving organizational performance. This workshop offers 5.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. New this year, participants can opt for a one-time application review by IHCA’s quality experts for personalized feedback before submission.
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This is your last chance to submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) for the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. All ITAs must be submitted through the Quality Award Portal no later than tomorrow, Nov. 13, at 7:00 p.m. CST. Submitting an ITA gives organizations access to discounted application fees, exclusive resources and valuable support tools to strengthen their Quality Award applications. Data from AHCA shows that participating facilities achieve stronger outcomes — including higher Five-Star ratings, improved care quality and reduced turnover — making this the ideal first step in your quality journey.
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IHCA is offering a Bronze Quality Award Workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 2, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy. This hybrid workshop will guide participants through the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award application process while providing expert coaching and strategies for driving organizational performance. This workshop offers 5.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. New this year, participants can opt for a one-time application review by IHCA’s quality experts for personalized feedback before submission.
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Take the next step in your quality journey this Friday, Nov. 7, at IHCA’s Silver Quality Award Workshop, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, in partnership with Geoffrey Calhoun of Calhoun Consulting Partners, LLC. Participants should complete the introductory webinar and come prepared with preliminary materials to use during the session. The workshop will be held at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale and is approved for 6.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is seeking professionals to serve as Silver and Gold Examiners for the 2026 award cycle, with applications due tomorrow, Nov. 6. Examiners play a key role in evaluating long-term care centers nationwide using the Baldrige Performance Excellence framework, helping improve quality systems and outcomes across the profession. Participants gain valuable experience in performance excellence, networking and professional growth while contributing to a national effort to elevate care standards.
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The 2026 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline is coming up next Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7:00 p.m. CST. Submitting an ITA gives organizations access to discounted application fees, exclusive resources and valuable support tools to strengthen their Quality Award applications. Data from AHCA shows that participating facilities achieve stronger outcomes — including higher Five-Star ratings, improved care quality and reduced turnover — making this the ideal first step in your quality journey.
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Take the next step in your quality journey next Friday, Nov. 7, at IHCA’s Silver Quality Award Workshop, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, in partnership with Geoffrey Calhoun of Calhoun Consulting Partners, LLC. With expert coaching and practical guidance, participants will break down the Silver criteria, explore how to write a strong application and gain insights on how to tell their quality improvement story effectively. This workshop will be held at Deerfield Retirement Community in Urbandale and is approved for 6.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. To register, please email the names of those attending from your facility to Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Regulatory Affairs, at
[email protected].
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Is your nursing facility or assisted living program committed to delivering high-quality care and enhancing the lives of residents/tenants? The National Quality Award Program invites you to take the first step in your quality improvement journey by applying for the Bronze Award. Start your journey with the Bronze Award and showcase your organization’s commitment to quality care and performance improvement. The 2026 Intent to Apply (ITA) process is open and available through the Quality Award Portal. Submitting your ITA by Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, gives you access to exclusive resources and a discounted application fee.
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Are you passionate about improving the quality of care in long-term and post-acute settings? The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is inviting dedicated professionals to apply as Silver and Gold Examiners for the 2026 cycle. The Examiner application will close next Thursday, Nov. 6.
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IHCA is offering a Bronze Quality Award Workshop next Tuesday, Oct. 28, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy. Additionally, IHCA will host another workshop on Dec. 2. These workshops will guide participants through the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award application process while providing expert coaching and strategies for driving organizational performance. This workshop offers 5.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. New this year, participants can opt for a one-time application review by IHCA’s quality experts for personalized feedback before submission.
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Examiner recruitment for the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program has begun. There are significant benefits to serving as an examiner, including professional development, networking, education and more. All examiner applications must be submitted by Nov. 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Selection notification emails will be sent out on Dec. 4, 2025.
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CMS issued a new QSO memo announcing updates to the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP), addressing several priorities long advocated by AHCA. The changes include streamlining the application process, raising funding caps and expanding eligibility to technology, behavioral health and workforce enhancement projects. Applicants awaiting a response do not need to resubmit, and the release of new CMPRP resources has been delayed due to the federal government shutdown.
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IHCA’s two-part Silver Quality Award Workshop, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, kicks off with a virtual webinar this Friday, Aug. 29, followed by an in-person session on Nov. 7. Designed for Bronze Award recipients ready to advance, the workshop offers expert coaching on completing the Silver Award application and leveraging the Baldrige-based criteria for quality improvement. This two-part course offers 6.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers and is held in partnership with Geoffrey Calhoun of Calhoun Consulting Partners, LLC.
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IHCA member Ruthven Community Care Center has been honored with the 2025 Governor’s Award for Quality Care, recognizing its exceptional commitment to resident well-being, compassionate caregiving and community engagement. The 46-bed facility in Ruthven was praised for creating a warm, family-like environment, delivering individualized care and fostering strong connections with residents, families and the broader community. Congratulations to Ruthven Community Care Center on this well-deserved achievement!
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IHCA is offering Bronze Quality Award Workshops this fall on Sept. 16, Oct. 28 and Dec. 2, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy. These workshops will guide participants through the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award application process while providing expert coaching and strategies for driving organizational performance. This workshop offers 5.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. New this year, participants can opt for a one-time application review by IHCA’s quality experts for personalized feedback before submission.
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IHCA’s two-part Silver Quality Award Workshop, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, kicks off with a virtual webinar next Friday, Aug. 29, followed by an in-person session on Nov. 7. Designed for Bronze Award recipients ready to advance, the workshop offers expert coaching on completing the Silver Award application and leveraging the Baldrige-based criteria for quality improvement. This two-part course offers 6.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers and is held in partnership with Geoffrey Calhoun of Calhoun Consulting Partners, LLC.
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CMS has announced a temporary pause in updates to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, effective July 30, 2025. This pause is part of CMS’s transition to a new cloud-based data system to record and manage survey outcomes and is intended to ensure the accuracy and reliability of publicly reported nursing home quality information. Regular updates to the site are expected to resume in October 2025. Despite the pause in public data updates, nursing homes are still required to post their most recent survey findings — the CMS-2567 Statement of Deficiencies — in a visible area within the facility.
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The Final July 2025 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) for the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model have been published in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System. Starting with this IPR, home health agencies that were initially Medicare certified in 2023 are eligible to receive IPRs.
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IHCA is offering Bronze Quality Award Workshops this fall on Sept. 16, Oct. 28 and Dec. 2, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy and Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy. These workshops will guide participants through the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award application process while providing expert coaching and strategies for driving organizational performance. This workshop offers 5.0 contact hours for nurses, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers. New this year, participants can opt for a one-time application review by IHCA’s quality experts for personalized feedback before submission.
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