Joint Commission and NAHQ Award 2026 Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)® Scholarships to Support Quality and Safety Advancement Across U.S. and Global Safety Net Hospitals

CHICAGO and OAKBROOK TERRACE, Illinois, Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of the strategic alliance between Joint Commission and the National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ), the organizations today announced the recipients of the 2026 Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality® (CPHQ) scholarships. These scholarships represent Joint Commission and NAHQ’s shared commitment to strengthening quality and safety capabilities at safety‑net hospitals – which provide care for individuals regardless of insurance status – and mission‑driven healthcare organizations.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Ashe Memorial Hospital — Jefferson, North Carolina
• Sinai Hospital — Chicago, Illinois
• Mental Health Cooperative — Tennessee
• Fortis Hospital — Mohali, India

CPHQ is the only accredited certification in healthcare quality. It recognizes professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and competencies needed to drive quality improvement, patient safety, and performance excellence. Through the Joint Commission-NAHQ strategic alliance, CPHQ certification helps strengthen the healthcare quality workforce in the U.S. and globally by equipping professionals with a common framework and skillset to improve care delivery and outcomes across healthcare settings and the entire care continuum.

The CPHQ scholarship program provides selected organizations with fully funded CPHQ exam registrations and preparation resources for their team, enabling frontline and emerging quality leaders to build validated, competency‑based skills aligned to the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™.

Advancing Workforce Capability in Safety‑Net Settings

The scholarship program reflects NAHQ and Joint Commission’s shared belief that strengthening quality workforce capability is essential to improving patient outcomes, reducing harm, and supporting organizational resilience, especially in safety‑net environments where resources are often constrained.

The 2026 recipients represent a diverse set of care settings, including rural hospitals, urban safety‑net institutions, behavioral health organizations, and international providers serving high‑need communities.

“Strengthening quality and safety capabilities across the healthcare workforce is essential to improving outcomes for every patient, in every community – and that begins with investing in the people on the frontlines of providing care every day,” said Jonathan Perlin, MD, PhD, president and CEO, Joint Commission. “This year’s scholarship recipients demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing safe, high-quality care in communities where the need is greatest. By expanding access to the CPHQ credential, we are helping equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to strengthen health systems and support safer care for all people. Joint Commission is proud to partner with NAHQ to support organizations and individuals who are leading with purpose and dedication.”

“Advancing healthcare quality requires investing in the people who do this work every day, noted Stephanie Mercado, CEO, NAHQ. “These scholarships help ensure that professionals in mission‑driven organizations have access to validated, competency‑based training that strengthens their ability to improve outcomes and reduce harm. We are honored to partner with The Joint Commission again this year and proud to support organizations that are deeply committed to delivering safe, reliable care for the communities they serve.”

About the CPHQ Scholarship Program

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality® (CPHQ) scholarship program was established to expand access to validated quality and safety training for professionals working in high‑impact, resource‑limited settings. Scholarship recipients are selected based on organizational mission, community need, and commitment to advancing quality and safety practices.

The program supports NAHQ’s broader strategy to strengthen the healthcare quality workforce through competency‑based learning, micro‑credentials, and the industry’s only accredited certification in healthcare quality.

Learn more about CPHQ certification at https://nahq.org/credentials/cphq-certified-professional-in-healthcare-quality/

About Joint Commission

Joint Commission enables and affirms the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient safety for all. Founded in 1951, it is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare, evaluating more than 23,000 healthcare organizations and programs across the United States. As an independent, nonprofit organization, Joint Commission inspires healthcare organizations across all settings to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

 Learn more at www.jointcommission.org.

About NAHQ

The National Association for Healthcare Quality^® (NAHQ^®) is the global authority advancing healthcare Quality & Safety across the healthcare continuum. NAHQ sets and maintains the industry standard for healthcare Quality & Safety competencies through its Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™. This expert-developed, data-driven, continuously validated Framework, endorsed by Joint Commission, defines the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to achieve measurable clinical Quality & Safety and financial outcomes that deliver on healthcare excellence. NAHQ helps individuals and organizations activate the Framework through education, workforce development solutions, industry-leading insights, and the only accredited certification in healthcare quality, the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality^® (CPHQ^®).

NAHQ supports hundreds of organizations and a powerful professional community across the globe to advance a shared vision for strong Quality workforces and cultures. Learn more at NAHQ.org

Hannah Miller
Joint Commission
630-792-5174
press@jointcommission.org

Evelyn Warren
National Association for Healthcare Quality
704-488-7690
ewarren@nahq.org