The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. The Governor’s Award recognizes Iowa health care facilities that demonstrate exceptional care and offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents.
In 2025, Briarwood Health Care Center in Iowa City and Ruthven Community Care Center — both IHCA members — were selected to receive the award. Since the first awards were presented in 2001, a total of 69 awards have been presented to 60 different facilities.
Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed health care facility (as defined in Iowa Code 135C, or, a nursing facility, residential care facility or intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities) for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. To be considered for a 2026 Governor’s Award, nominations must be postmarked by this Sunday, March 1, 2026. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the DIAL website or obtained by calling the DIAL Health and Safety Division at 515-381-7272. Nominations will also be accepted via the department’s online nomination form.
All nominations must list the reason the facility should be considered, such as any unique services provided by the facility to its residents, and any activities undertaken by the facility to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for its residents. A facility’s history of compliance and whether it accepts residents for whom costs are paid by the Medicaid program are also factors used in the determination of eligibility for a Governor’s Award. Upon receipt by DIAL, the nominations will be evaluated and a list of finalists will be prepared. Under Iowa law, no more than two facilities from each congressional district may be selected for an award.
IHCA encourages facilities to make the nomination process easily accessible for residents and families. Strategies may include posting signage in common areas with a QR code that links directly to the online nomination form, sharing the nomination link in newsletters or emails to families and providing brief instructions at family meetings or resident councils on how to complete a nomination. Offering assistance and staff support for questions may also help ensure residents and families are aware of the opportunity and able to participate easily.
For more information, contact Stefanie Bond at 515-281-7376 or Diane McCool at 515-249-7074, or [email protected].
View the full press release from DIAL here.