DES MOINES – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. The Governor's Award recognizes Iowa health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents. Nominations are open to all health care facilities licensed under Iowa Code chapter 135C, which include nursing facilities, residential care facilities, and intermediate care facilities, including those facilities specializing in the care of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. (Not eligible for nomination are assisted living programs, elder group homes, or hospital-based nursing facilities as these facilities are not licensed under the Iowa Code chapter establishing the Award program.)
Last year, Crestview Specialty Care in West Branch was selected to receive the 2015 Governor’s Award. The 65-bed long-term care facility was nominated for the Award by the family member of a former resident who cited the outstanding care and services provided by Crestview to its residents. Since the first awards were presented in 2001, a total of 51 awards have been presented to 44 individual facilities.
Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. In order to be considered for a 2016 Governor's Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 1, 2016. Nomination forms may be obtained by calling the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) at 515.281.7102 or downloaded from the department's website.
All nominations must state the reason the facility should be considered, such as any unique services provided by the facility to its residents, and any activities undertaken by the facility to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for its residents. A facility’s history of compliance and whether it accepts residents for whom costs are paid by the Medicaid program are also factors used in the determination of eligibility for a Governor’s Award. Upon receipt by DIA, the nominations will be evaluated and a list of finalists prepared. Under Iowa law, no more than two facilities from each Congressional district may be selected for a Governor's Award.