BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Aug. 11, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Advocat Inc. (Nasdaq:AVCA) today announced that thirteen of its long-term care facilities were recognized with National Quality Awards by the American Healthcare Association (AHCA).

The facilities recognized with the Step I award by the American Healthcare Association were:

 -- Hartford Health Care, Hartford, AL
 -- Lynwood Nursing Home, Mobile, AL
 -- Windsor House, Huntsville, AL
 -- Garland Nursing & Rehab, Hot Springs, AR
 -- Newport Healthcare & Rehab, Newport, AR
 -- Rich Mountain Nursing & Rehab, Mena, AR
 -- Sheridan Nursing & Rehab, Sheridan, AR
 -- The Pines Nursing & Rehab, Hot Springs, AR
 -- Walnut Ridge Nursing & Rehab, Walnut Ridge, AR
 -- Southern Pines Healthcare, New Port Richey, FL
 -- Laurel Manor Health Care, New Tazewell, TN
 -- Mayfield Rehab & Special Care Center, Smyrna, TN
 -- Lampasas Nursing & Rehab, Lampasas, TX

Since 1996, the AHCA Quality Award program has been recognizing AHCA -member facilities that display a clear commitment to the AHCA's Quality First initiative. This national quality improvement initiative is the result of the collaboration of long-term care providers, resident advocacy groups, government agencies and others interested in promoting quality improvement in the nation's 16,000 nursing centers. To be eligible to receive these national awards a facility must demonstrate at least a three year history of excellence in quality care, staff, and residents' satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

"I am pleased to announce Advocat's continued recognition by the AHCA for our commitment to providing quality healthcare for our residents," noted William R. Council, III, Chief Executive Officer of Advocat. "With these awards, 31 of our 50 facilities have won National Quality Awards, with two winning Step II awards. I am very proud of the employees of these facilities for their unfaltering commitment to quality performance."

Advocat provides long term care services to patients in 50 skilled nursing centers containing 5,773 licensed nursing beds, primarily in the Southeast and Southwest. For additional information about the Company, visit Advocat's web site: http://www.irinfo.com/avc.

CONTACT:  Advocat Inc.
          William R. Council III, President and 
           Chief Executive Officer
          (615) 771-7575
          Cameron Associates
          C. Rodney O'Connor
          (212) 554-5470