Over one-third of the skilled nursing and assisted living centers which are operated by subsidiaries of Skilled Healthcare Group (NYSE:SKH) have earned the prestigious 2009 Step 1 National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and the National Center For Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) in recognition of the centers’ strong commitment to continuous quality improvement. The 37 centers, located in five states, represent over eight percent of this year’s Step 1 honors awarded to a total of 436 long term care centers across the country. This was the first year that Skilled Healthcare Group subsidiaries participated in the Quality Award Step I process, and 90% of its first-time entrants were selected. Applicants for the Step 1 level provide a clear vision and mission for their center and acknowledge key challenges embodied in the organizational profile section of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the premier national award recognizing outstanding and distinguished achievements.
“As always, our goal is to strive for the best quality care with the most compassionate and caring staff; so, it is a great honor to be recognized for the continuous efforts of our operating companies toward this goal,” said Jose Lynch, President and Chief Operating Officer of Skilled Healthcare Group. “We are very excited that 37 of our companies have earned this esteemed award, especially during their first year of application – an amazing accomplishment. This is one of the highest honors a skilled nursing or assisted living facility can receive and we are very proud of the professional team members at the local level who made this a reality and who continue to exhibit excellence toward residents’ quality of care. We would also like to thank AHCA and NCAL for recognizing our commitment to patient care,” Lynch added.
For the full listing of Skilled Healthcare Group companies earning the 2009 Step 1 National Quality Award, click here.
