5-Step Enrollment for Long-term Care Facilities

Note: Once your facility is enrolled in NHSN, you can add additional reporting options using your monthly reporting plan or activating a new component within the NHSN application. You do not need to re-enroll for each type of event reported.

Step 1: Training and Preparation

Print and follow LTCF detailed checklist [PDF – 209 KB] to ensure successful and efficient enrollment.

Complete required trainings: Overview of the Long-term Care Facility Component January 2015 [PDF – 341K] and
Enrollment: Getting Access to NHSN for your LTCF [PDF – 1.8 MB]. Note: The Enrollment training is a useful guide through the enrollment process.

Complete the Facility Contact form [PDF – 63 KB] and Annual Facility Survey for LTCF [PDF – 66 KB] January 2015
These forms will assist with collecting the required information that will be needed to complete the electronic versions in Steps 2 and 4. Do not submit these forms to NHSN. Detailed instructions for completing the Annual Facility Survey for LTCF are located in the Table of Instructions – Annual Facility Survey for LTCF [PDF – 485K] document.

Check trusted websites and spam blocker settings (see detailed checklist [PDF – 209 KB]).

For detailed enrollment instructions, download the NHSN Facility Administrator Enrollment Guide March 2014. [PDF – 797K] . Note: This guide is not specific to Long-Term Care Facilities.

Time to complete step 1: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Step 2: Agree to NHSN Rules of Behavior and Register Facility

screenshot After electronically agreeing to the Rules of Behavior, you will be taken to a screen to register your facility. The facility registration information was previously collected on the Facility Contact form in Step 1.

Time to complete step 2: 10 minutes

After registration, you will receive two emails: ‘Welcome to NHSN!’
arrives from NHSN immediately and ‘Invitation to Register’
arrives from SAMS-no-reply within 24 hours.

Step 3a: Register with SAMS

From the ‘Invitation to Register’ email, log in to SAMS with your username (i.e., email address) and temporary password provided. Accept the SAMS Rules of Behavior and complete the online SAMS registration form.

Getting Secure Access to NHSN for LTCF Users [PDF – 2M] August 2016

Time to complete step 3a: 15 minutes

Within 24 hours of successful online registration,
receive SAMS ‘Identity Verification Request’ email.

Step 3b: Complete and Submit Identity Proofing Verification

From the ‘Identity Verification Request’ email, print the Identity Verification Form, complete it, and take it to a notary public for endorsement. Digitally upload, fax, or mail the completed form and supporting documentation to the CDC. You will receive ‘SAMS Account Activation’ and ‘SAMS Activity Authorization’ emails when your access is approved.

To access SAMS, you must receive your SAMS grid card, which will be delivered to your home address via U.S. mail within two weeks after you receive your SAMS approval email. Note: If you do not receive your SAMS grid card within two weeks, contact samshelp@cdc.gov for assistance.

Time to complete step 3b: 35 minutes

After Grid Card Received

Step 4: Submit NHSN Forms Electronically

Log in to SAMS using your password and SAMS grid card and select ‘NHSN Enrollment.’ Submit required NHSN forms, including facility contact information.

Time to complete step 4: 32 minutes

Immediately after submitting forms, receive NHSN email,
subject “NHSN facility enrollment submitted.”

Step 5: Sign and Send Consent

Using the above NHSN email, open, print, and sign the consent form. Ensure two signatures are on the form and fax to CDC.

Tip: To open the consent form, you may need to log in to SAMS using your grid card and password, and then copy and paste the link into that browser window.

Time to complete step 5: 10 minutes

Within 3 business days, receive NHSN email, subject ‘NHSN enrollment approved.’

Congratulations, enrollment is complete!