2025 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s new in 2025?
The clinical award categories and metrics will remain the same this year, but we have made some updates to the award criteria for previous priority award winners and have added a new priority award focusing on maternal health. More information about the award criteria changes and required metrics for all 2025 Zero Harm awards visit www.zeroharmsc.org.
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 (Workplace Violence, Suicide Prevention, Maternal Health) if you do not qualify for any clinical awards.
3. What is the timeframe data will be reviewed for the 2025 clinical awards?
DHEC will validate NHSN data from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, 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?
Zero Harm Priority Award applications will be completed by attestation this year. Attested applications will be reviewed by designated partners and additional data/information may be requested. Required award metrics must have been completed between January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, to qualify for any priority award. For additional information about this year’ Zero Harm 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 10 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).
6. When will the portal open and for how long?
The portal will open on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and remain open until Friday, September 12, 2025. 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 in late fall. A digital award listing will also be provided on www.zeroharmsc.org. All winning hospitals will also be invited to attend this year’s Better State of Health Summit on December 10, 2025, 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 in 2024, can we qualify again in 2025 for this same award?
Yes, you can qualify for the same award. Each priority award has different requirements for previous winners. Please visit www.zeroharmsc.org for more details.
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 at www.zeroharmsc.org for the most up-to-date information.