NMHA Quest for Excellence Award

The flagship quality award from the New Mexico Hospital Association recognizing exceptional efforts in continuous improvement in clinical quality and patient care. Awards represent the highest level of professional acknowledgement from NMHA's Quality Committee, Board of Directors, and staff leadership.

Geographic Scope: New Mexico

Eligibility: NMHA member hospitals (acute care, rural/critical access, and specialty hospitals)

Award Goals:

• Recognize outcomes in quality performance practices, capabilities and results
• Facilitate and expand sharing of best practices information among hospitals in New Mexico
• Stimulate quality excellence in health care among member hospitals and health systems
• Promote and share commitment to excellence with stakeholders across the state

Focus Areas

Submissions may include, but are not limited to:

• Infection prevention and control
• Reducing hospital acquired conditions
• Care coordination
• Implementation of zero harm and/or other high reliability strategies
• Enhancing patient experience
• Treatment and diagnostic innovation
• Addressing health disparities
• Workforce safety and wellbeing
• Reducing waste and/or creating efficiencies
• Building a culture of safety

Award Criteria & Scoring

Each project element is scored on a 1-4 scale:

• 1-Poor: Missing majority of components. Description hard to follow
• 2-Average: Nearly meets or meets descriptions provided
• 3-Above Average: Exceeds expectations, some evidence of best practice
• 4-Excellent: Best practice evident throughout description

Weighted Categories

• Leadership Engagement (5%)
• Process of Identifying Need (5%)
• Process Improvement Methods (5%)
• Data usage to guide improvement efforts (15%)
• Project Results (15%)
• Sustainability Plan (15%)
• Lessons Learned (15%)
• Innovation (15%)
• Inclusion of Health Equity Concepts & Patient and Family Engagement (10%)

Winners Receive

• Professional media coverage
• Engraved award, presented at ceremony
• Professional group photo
• Scholarship for CPHQ or CPPS

Application Process

Detailed application instructions not provided in website content. Contact NMHA directly for application procedures and submission requirements.

Contact Information: (505) 343-0010