2024 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s new in 2024?
All clinical and priority award categories will remain the same for 2024. Some award metrics have been adjusted this year. For a full description of the award categories and required award requirements and metrics, visit www.zeroharmsc.org and click the “Awards” tab.
2. Can we apply for the Drive to Zero Harm Leadership and/or SCHA Priority Awards if my facility does not qualify for any clinical awards this year?
Yes, your facility can still apply for the Leadership Award and/or any SCHA Priority Awards (Drive to Zero Suicide, Drive to Zero Disparities and/or Drive to Zero Workplace Violence) if you do not qualify for any clinical awards.
3. What is the timeframe data will be reviewed for the 2024 clinical awards?
DHEC will validate NHSN data from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, to confirm qualification for the Zero Harm clinical award categories. Awards can be earned by having zero harm in the clinical area for the 12-month period.
4. What is the timeframe data will be reviewed for the SCHA Priority Awards?
SCHA’s Priority Awards applications will be completed by attestation this year. The Drive to Zero Suicide Award metrics must have been fully implemented on or before December 31, 2023. The required metrics for the Drive to Zero Workplace Violence Award must have been fully implemented between July 1, 2023 to August 14, 2024 and Drive to Zero Disparities Awards must have been fully implemented between July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, to meet eligibility. For additional information about the SCHA Priority Awards and required metrics, please visit https://www.zeroharmsc.org/zero-harm-priority-awards.
5. Can I apply for clinical CLABSI awards in multiple units in my facility?
Yes, this year, the clinical CLABSI awards can be Hospital-Wide or up to 3 individual NHSN units. (Please note: The number of central line days for each NHSN unit submitted in the application must be 50 or more in order to qualify for a CLABSI award). To apply for additional CLABSI units than the three that the online application will allow (Maximum of 12 total), please email Nan Carter at ncarter@scha.org for further instructions on submitting additional CLABSI units for validation this year.
6. When will the portal open and for how long?
The portal will open on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, and remain open until Friday, September 27, 2024. Members of the Zero Harm network email listserv will receive a series of communications with portal information prior to the portal opening and a direct link to the portal will be provided at www.zeroharmsc.org.
7. How will Zero Harm Awards be distributed this year?
Each hospital will receive a digital certificate with their awards notification and be listed on the Zero Harm digital listing located on this website. All winning hospitals will also be invited to attend this year’s Better State of Health Summit on December 10-11, 2024, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to receive a token of recognition during a special Zero Harm presentation. Award point-of-contacts will be notified with details about registration for this meeting. Stay tuned for more details!
8. Will my CEO get a chance to learn about which awards our facility wins?
At the end of the online application process, you will have the opportunity to enter the email of your CEO to be copied. Additionally, the official award notification email will be sent to the facility point-of-contact that submitted the application and the CEO.
9. If we received a Priority Award (Drive to Zero Suicide, Drive to Zero Disparities, Drive to Zero Workplace Violence) in 2023, can we qualify again in 2024 for this same award?
Yes, you can qualify for the same award. Each priority award has different requirements for re-application.
10. Who should I contact with questions?
Contact Nan Carter (ncarter@scha.org) for information related to Zero Harm, including assistance with Zero Harm award applications.
11. Are there other opportunities to learn more about SCHA's Zero Harm program?
Yes! Please sign up to receive our quarterly Zero Harm Newsletter by contacting Nan Carter (ncarter@scha.org) and visit SCHA’s Zero Harm webpage for the most up-to-date information.