NAHQ Shines in Modern Healthcare Awards for Quality Leadership and Recognition

The National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ) has recently been the proud recipient of notable awards reflecting its dedication to the healthcare industry. The recognition comes at a pivotal moment for the organization, underscoring the essential role of Quality and Safety in healthcare excellence. Over the years, NAHQ has established itself as a leader in promoting and advancing healthcare quality, and this latest acknowledgment reinforces its commitment to driving positive change.

Highlights of the Awards

One of the most prominent recognitions was the acknowledgment of NAHQ's CEO, Stephanie Mercado, who has been honored as one of the "100 Most Influential People in Healthcare" for 2024 by Modern Healthcare. This accolade is bestowed by the senior editors of Modern Healthcare, spotlighting those who significantly impact leadership within the healthcare sector. Remarkably, this is the second consecutive year Mercado has received this honorary title, marking her as a pillar of excellence in the field of healthcare quality.

Mercado's leadership has been pivotal in building a robust profession centered on healthcare quality. Patricia Resnik, President of the NAHQ Board of Directors, lauded Mercado’s achievements as a testament to her visionary guidance. Under her stewardship, NAHQ has forged a transformative strategic alliance with The Joint Commission. This partnership aims to enhance quality and safety standards not just nationally, but on a global scale, thereby creating a more reliable healthcare environment for all.

However, the honors do not stop there. NAHQ was also honored as the only recipient in the associations category of Modern Healthcare's Best in Business awards. This new initiative was introduced to celebrate organizations impacting innovation and excellence across various healthcare sectors. The award recognizes the groundbreaking work NAHQ has been doing, which includes initiatives like the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) credential, and other industry-leading programs.

These awards are more than mere titles; they validate the continuous effort to enhance quality in healthcare settings. Mercado expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Receiving this personal acknowledgement for the second year in a row, simultaneously announced with a pioneering award for NAHQ, makes it a huge day for NAHQ and also for Quality and Safety." She emphasized the undeniable link between workforce competency in Quality and the tangible improvements in patient outcomes and organizational performance.

The Importance of Quality in Healthcare

The journey towards achieving healthcare excellence is intricate, and as emphasized by Juliana Fishleigh, Chief of Staff at NAHQ, the efforts within the Quality discipline are gradually gaining recognition. Quality and safety are critical to improving healthcare outcomes, and as more professionals acknowledge their significance, the healthcare landscape is set to evolve positively.

Since Mercado's arrival at NAHQ in 2013, she has been a critical voice advocating for the profession and the discipline of healthcare quality. Her leadership has been instrumental in identifying the unmet needs within the healthcare workforce, driving forth a focus on the priorities essential for delivering excellence.

“Quality matters. What we in the Quality discipline do each day matters. It's being recognized and awarded. And most important of all, it's making a difference,” added Fishleigh.

In conclusion, the recent accolades awarded to NAHQ and its CEO are significant milestones in a broader movement to enhance healthcare quality. The organization is committed to setting high standards and fostering a culture of quality that will lead to transformed healthcare experiences and improved patient care. As we reflect on these awards, the industry looks forward to additional innovative strategies that NAHQ will continue to implement in pursuit of healthcare excellence.

For more detailed insights on the complete rankings for these awards and profiles of all honorees, visit ModernHealthcare.com. Explore how NAHQ and its initiatives contribute to setting standards of excellence in healthcare quality.