AHCA/NCAL Unveils New Quality Initiative
At the AHCA/NCAL Quality Symposium in Houston, the Association's leadership introduced a progressive, new Quality Initiative setting defined goals for members to meet over the next three years, in four core areas. Focused on improving quality care in long term and post-acute care centers across the nation, the Quality Initiative has established these pillars of quality improvement:

• Reduce Hospital Readmissions: By March 2015, reduce the number of hospital readmissions within 30 days during a SNF stay by 15 percent.
• Increase Staff Stability: By March 2015, reduce turnover among nursing staff (RN, LPN/LVN, CNA) by 15 percent.
• Increase Customer Satisfaction: By March 2015, increase the number of customers who would recommend the facility to others up to 90 percent.
• Reduce the Off-Label Use of Antipsychotics: By December 2012, reduce the off-label use of antipsychotic drugs by 15 percent.

In each of these main areas, AHCA has developed specific, measurable goals that are designed to encourage facilities to foster sustainable change in the best interest of residents and their families. AHCA/NCAL is challenging members to hold itself accountable to these changes, thus creating both short- and long-term benefits for customers, employees, and the long term care community at-large. OHCA/OCAL/OCDD is helping to foster this program, and will provide additional avenues for education and support. For more information about the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, its goals, and tools to help members reach targets, visit the Quality Initiative website at qualityinitiative.ahcancal.org. Please watch OHCA and AHCA communications for additional information regarding this program.