Madonna Living Community, Rochester, Minn., and St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, Shakopee, Minn., have been recognized as recipients of a Step III National Quality Award, the highest national quality award presented by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). The facilities were honored for their outstanding achievement and presented with their award during AHCA/NCAL’s 60th Annual Convention and Exposition, Oct. 4-7, 2009, in Chicago.

Of the nine Step III Awards given to date, six have been presented to Benedictine Health System (BHS) Participating Organizations. This year, 19 nursing and assisted living facilities from across the nation applied for the Step III Award; only one other organization received it.

To date, 81 percent of BHS skilled nursing facilities have received the Step I Award, which is the entry level, 22 percent the more rigorous Step II Award and 16 percent Step III Award, which mirrors the Baldrige National Quality Award criteria.

“This level of participation demonstrates the commitment to quality care and services that goes beyond just the minimal regulatory requirement of the governmental surveys,” said Steve Chies, BHS senior vice president of operations. “These awards signify an external assessment of the facility operations and recognize the excellent performance and progress our facilities are making in better meeting the needs of residents and families.”

The examination process used by AHCA/NCAL to review the applications is formed by criteria from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which is the nation’s premier recognition of quality achievement. AHCA/NCAL strengthened the award by developing 11 success factors that serve as a valuable tool for improving quality of care in long term health care facilities.

“The staff at Madonna Living Community and St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center has set themselves apart by demonstrating that they can sustain a high level of performance across a broad spectrum of services,” said Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.

The Benedictine Health System is a Catholic, non-profit long term care health system based in Duluth, Minn. Sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, BHS owns and/or operates nursing homes, assisted and independent housing in Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.