The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is seeking nominations for the 2023 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. (Facilities 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.)

In 2022, Newton Village and Bridges at Ankeny were selected to receive the award. Since the first awards were presented in 2001, a total of 62 awards have been presented to 54 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. To be considered for a 2023 Governor's Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 24, 2023. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the DIA website or obtained by calling the DIA Health Facilities Division at 515.242.5022. Nominations will also be accepted via the department's online nomination form.

All nominations must list 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.