During their trip to the AHCA conference in Chicago, Helen Porter Rehabilitation & Nursing has also recognized as one of the 2009 recipients of the Step I National Quality Award presented by the AHCA and the National Center for Assisted Living. Last year 664 nursing and assisted living facilities from across the nation applied for the quality award at this level. “We applaud Helen Porter for having passed this first step that demonstrates their intention to begin a rigorous quality improvement program, and looks forward to their moving forward to pursue the requirements for the Steps II and III awards in the coming years,” stated Bernie Dana, Chair, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers, one of the nine members that oversee the program.
Applicants for the Step I level award have a clear vision and mission for their facility and acknowledge key challenges that are embodied in the organizational profile section of the Malcolm Baldrige criteria. The Step I award recognizes providers that have developed a foundation to begin a journey of continuous quality improvement, and that they have taken the first step in corresponding with any public measures of performance.