Quality Improvement 

"Quality is the goal that the long-term care industry strives for each and every day."

Quality in long-term care is multifaceted, and there are several recognized approaches to measuring, benchmarking, and advancing it. This page will explain key measurement programs (like the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award and the CMS 5-Star Rating system), highlight resources for families and providers, and point you toward ways to explore facility performance in Rhode Island.

Quality in long-term care is multifaceted, and there are several recognized approaches to measuring, benchmarking, and advancing it. This page will explain key measurement programs (like the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award and the CMS 5-Star Rating system), highlight resources for families and providers, and point you toward ways to explore facility performance in Rhode Island.

Why Quality Measurement Matters

  • Measurement provides transparency, accountability, and benchmarks for improvement.

  • It helps families and consumers compare facilities, ask informed questions, and select care settings with confidence.

  • For providers, it is a tool to guide process improvement, set goals, and monitor progress over time.

  • Rhode Island’s Department of Health runs a Health Care Quality Reporting Program, which tracks metrics across nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and more.

 

RIHCA Quality Improvement Committee Presents "Virtual Roundtables"

Overview

The Rhode Island Health Care Association’s Quality Improvement Committee hosts quarterly round table discussions designed to bring together nursing home leaders, clinical staff, and other professionals dedicated to advancing quality care. These sessions provide an open forum to share best practices, discuss current challenges, review state and national quality initiatives, and identify innovative approaches to improving resident outcomes.

Goal

The goal of the quarterly round tables is to foster collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous learning among our member facilities. By engaging in meaningful dialogue and exchanging insights, the Committee helps ensure that Rhode Island’s long-term care community remains at the forefront of quality, safety, and resident-centered care.

2025 Schedule (All roundtables are scheduled for 12:00pm est. and last one hour) 

Quarter 1

March 19, 2025: Gratitude and Appreciation Towards Staff, Beyond the Pizza Party

Quarter 2

June 25, 2025: Engaging Your Medical Director 

Quarter 3

September 24, 2025: Optimizing Communication Between Your Team and Providers

Quarter 4

December 3, 2025: Understanding and Responding: Trauma-Informed Practices in Nursing Homes