Three Ciena Healthcare Administrators Receive Leadership Award From National Long-Term Care Organization

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI, March 24, 2011 (Press-News.org) Ciena Healthcare, a leading manager and operator of skilled nursing and rehabilitation communities in Michigan and Connecticut, announced that three of its administrators have been recognized as national long-term care leaders in top performing facilities by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). The ACHCA established the award to honor leadership excellence in the long-term care industry and showcase the best performing skilled nursing facilities in the United States.

The award recipients include Glen Lowery from Fountain View of Monroe in Monroe, Mich., Kamran Chaudhry from Qualicare Nursing Home in Detroit and Kathy Leverenz from Regency-on-the-Lake in Ft. Gratiot, Mich. All three will receive the award at the ACHCA's 45th Annual Convocation and Exposition on April 29 in New Orleans.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Minimum Data Set (MDS) quality indicator (QM) and survey data were key criteria in determining the award. All three communities have demonstrated areas of excellence in these surveys, including health surveys, fire (life safety) survey and overall quality measures outlined by the organization.

"This is a tremendous honor for these administrators and a testament to their dedication to the patients and residents at their communities," said Kristine Halsey, chief operating officer, Ciena Healthcare. "To be recognized by your peers as a leader in your industry shows the respect they have in the skilled nursing care field."

Lowery has been the administrator at Fountain View of Monroe since the community opened in 2007. Overall, he has 13 years experience as an administrator in the skilled nursing industry. Chaudhry has served as an administrator for five years with ten years experience in long-term care. Leverenz has worked as an administrator for four years. She also has served as a director of nursing.

"Each community consistently ranks high in state surveys and provides a caring, professional skilled nursing experience to the areas they serve," added Halsey. "Each administrator's caring, stable leadership is a comfort to our residents and their families. The entire staff at each community is very deserving of this recognition."

Founded in 1962, The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is a non-profit professional membership association that provides educational programming, professional certification, and career development opportunities for its members. ACHCA identifies, recognizes, and supports long term care leaders, advocating for their mission and promoting excellence in their profession. For more information on ACHCA, visit http://www.achca.org.

About Ciena Healthcare
The Ciena Healthcare organization is comprised of 35 skilled nursing communities located in Michigan and four communities located in Connecticut, managed by Regency Healthcare Management, LLC. Ciena communities are diverse and collectively serve all resident and patient nursing care needs from short-term rehabilitation stays to long-term residency. Founded in 1998, Ciena Healthcare communities offer a holistic approach to patient care and are fully committed to residents' needs and well being while also promoting their independence. Ciena's vision is to change the way nursing communities are operated and perceived by providing and developing communities that feature private rooms, ambiance, attention to detail and quality food preparations, all delivered by high quality, compassionate and dedicated professional, support staff. For more information, visit http://www.cienafacilities.com or call (248) 386-0300.

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