MAITLAND, Fla., June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Consulate Health Care has been recognized as a 2013 recipient of the Bronze Commitment to Quality award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through improved care. The award is one of three distinctions possible through the National Quality Award program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The program honors health care centers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Consulate Health Care currently serves as the industry's largest post-acute provider in the State of Florida, so it is no surprise that of the 42 awards issued nationally in their name, an impressive 37 bronze awards were presented to locations in Florida. Subsequently, Consulate was the only organization recognized this year in the State of Louisiana.

"In an age of changing health care, Consulate Health Care has remained committed to prioritizing quality care above all else," said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. "This facility is an example of the great things that can be accomplished when we commit to person-centered care."

Implemented by AHCA/NCAL in 1996, the National Quality Award Program is centered on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The program assists providers of long term and post-acute care services in achieving their performance excellence goals.

The program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Centers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile with essential performance elements such as vision and mission statements and an assessment of customers' expectations. Bronze applicants must demonstrate their ability to implement a performance improvement system. A team of trained Examiners reviews each Bronze application to determine if the center has met the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze - Commitment to Quality award, Consulate Health Care's centers may now begin developing approaches to achieve performance levels that meet the criteria required for the Silver - Achievement in Quality award.

"This award is not simply a plaque that facilities hang on the wall and forget," said Ed McMahon, Chair, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board of Overseers. "Facilities such as those of Consulate Health Care receive this award because they're committed to the constant journey of improving quality care."

The awards are sponsored by AHCA/NCAL's Associate Business Member, My InnerView (by National Research Corporation). My InnerView represents the true voice of nursing home and assisted living residents, families, and employees with the most insightful quality measurement solutions and satisfaction surveys in the healthcare continuum. Consulate Health Care had several locations among the 361 centers receiving the Bronze level award. The award will be presented to 42 Consulate Health Care centers during AHCA/NCAL's 64th Annual Convention and Exposition, October 6-9, 2013, in Phoenix, AZ.

About Consulate Health Care

Consulate Health Care is one of the nation's leading providers of Senior health care services, specializing in comprehensive skilled nursing and post-acute care, short-term rehabilitation, and Alzheimer's and dementia care. Operating more than 200 skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living centers in 21 states, Consulate provides the personal, customized care of an independent organization, with the scope, resources, and expertise of a national care organization.

Please visit us at http://www.consulatehealthcare.com to learn more about our services.

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Consulate Health Care Receives Bronze National Quality Award