When talking with recipients of the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award, one comment that I hear over and over is that the process of applying and winning the award has helped the providers become proactive, not reactive. By examining and creating systems to improve quality, staff are better able to manage resident care without adding on the stress of reacting to unexpected events.

This does not mean that unexpected events magically vanish—it means that facilities have thought ahead and planned methods of responding to a variety of situations. This issue of Provider focuses on how to apply this proactive approach to several important areas of care.

The workforce shortage affects all levels of employees, including administrators. By increasing the number of ways you identify and train leadership talent, providers can increase the number of up-and-coming administrators. Using creative methods of finding talent can create models to fill other positions.

Skin health and wound care is a critical part of resident health. Operating with a team mentality, emphasizing prevention, and administering the right mix of products will set up a structure to identify and treat any type of skin wounds that arise.

The disposing of controlled substances is an important process that requires strict documentation, staff coordination, and avoidance of errors. This makes it a perfect area to formulate and implement best practices that avoid any negative consequences.

Hear directly from the 2023 AHCA/NCAL Gold Quality Award recipients as they describe the processes developed in their facilities that led to success.

One note of apology: Some names of quality examiners were mistakenly left off the list in the Fall 2023 issue of Provider. Please join me in thanking and celebrating ALL the judges and examiners that put in the hard work of evaluating and providing feedback to applicants.