Apply to Be a National Quality Award Examiner: Applications Close November 5!

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 11/01/2026 12:29:06
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Serving as an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Examiner is a rewarding way to grow professionally while helping strengthen quality across long term care. As an Examiner, you will:

• Build your knowledge of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria
• Develop your analytical and feedback skills
• Learn from quality experts
• Connect with professionals across long term care
• Help organizations identify their strengths and opportunities for improvement
• Earn continuing education credit

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Quality Award Portal by 5:00 PM ET on Thursday, November 5, 2026. For instructions, see the step-by-step application guide.
For details about this year's program, including the role description, visit the Examiner website or download the Examiner Brochure.
New to the Examiner Program? Watch the Webinar
If you're new to the program, or know colleagues who might be interested, the recording of the 2027 Silver and Gold Examiner Program Informational Webinar is now available. AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Board Members Moe Carland and Paul Grizzell host it, and they cover the program, what's expected of Examiners, the benefits and how to apply.
Key Dates and Time Commitment

• Applications open through: November 5, 2026
• Selection notifications: December 3, 2026
• Virtual training: January–February 2027 (dates to be announced). Plan on about 6–8 hours total, completed at your own pace.
• In-person training: February 2027 (dates to be announced). The Quality Award team picks two Examiners from each team to attend, so not every Examiner goes to this training.
• Examiner review period: February–June 2027. Plan on about 30–40 hours total, spread over several months. Each team sets its own meeting schedule so it works for every member.

Questions?
Contact qualityaward@ahca.org.
We hope you'll consider serving as a 2027 Examiner. Please share this opportunity with colleagues who may be interested, too!  No experience necessary!!
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org