Increasing LTCF SAMS Level Access to NHSN
NHSN has received an unprecedented number of Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) inquiries. We are working diligently to send SAMS identity verification invitations in the shortest timeframe possible. Please allow up to 7-9 business days for NHSN to reply to any email concerning SAMS.
Prior to reaching out to NHSN, please check spam folders and trash folders for an invitational email from SAMS. It is possible that you have a SAMS level 3 invitation email from NHSN that is awaiting action. Look for an email with the subject line “SAMS Partner Portal – Identity Verification Request Form” from SAMS-no-reply@cdc.gov.
CDC’s NHSN is supporting the nation’s COVID-19 response by introducing the new COVID-19 Module for Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) in the NHSN’s LTCF Component. LTCFs eligible to report into the new COVID-19 Module include skilled nursing facilities/nursing homes, long-term care for the developmentally disabled, and assisted living facilities.
LTCFs enrolled in NHSN to only report COVID-19 data have limited access to the NHSN surveillance application. Completion of the Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) identity verification process is required for LTCF users to gain full access to the remaining NHSN surveillance modules, various analytic tools, and data reports. Users who complete the identity verification process will be migrated from level-1 to level-3 SAMS access and will be issued a SAMS grid card for a more secure NHSN user experience.
To facilitate upgrade to SAMS Level-3 you must:
- Have two forms of identification ready to submit and ensure that your name and address match how it appears on your identification (such as your state issued driver’s license). If your name has changed and was not updated on your ID, please also provide a copy of the legal name change documentation (e.g., marriage certificate).
- You must submit your two forms of identification using the required and unique identity verification form received in the ID Proofing email from sams-no-reply@cdc.gov, SAMS must confirm your identity. Once confirmed, a Grid Card will be mailed to your residential/home address via USPS mail. The SAMS Grid Card permits LEVEL-3 access to NHSN.
To increase your LTCF SAMS level access, a SAMS representative will need to confirm the identity of one or more NHSN users and subsequently provide a SAMS grid card by USPS mail. This web page briefly outlines the required steps for increasing LTCF SAMS level access to NHSN.
Please note, completing this enhanced data security process for the COVID-19 Module will enable full NHSN reporting capability for healthcare-associated infections and prevention process measures.
To complete the enhanced data security process, please follow the steps outlined below:
This process can take up to four weeks to be completed, but you will not lose access to NHSN at any time during the process.
The CDC will submit a request to increase your security level access. Check your email inbox for communication from SAMS, via sams-no-reply@cdc.gov, requesting two forms of identification (ID)*.
*An email will be sent to you 3 to 5 business days after the SAMS access request.
*You must provide one (1) unexpired document from List A and one (1) additional unexpired document from List B. A copy of each ID must be included in your submission.
View list of SAMS identity verification documents pdf icon[PDF – 150 KB].
Before submitting your proof of ID, confirm the following:
- Log into SAMS at http://sams.cdc.gov and use the Update Profile menu option on the left side of the page. Confirm that your home mailing address is correct and current within your SAMS profile.
- Ensure that your name and address match how it appears on your submitted identification (such as your state issued driver’s license).
After successfully submitting your identification into the SAMS portal, SAMS must confirm your identity.
Once confirmed, SAMS will send you a “Welcome to SAMS” email. A SAMS grid card will be mailed to your residential/home address by USPS mail.
The SAMS grid card permits Level-3 access to NHSN.
After receiving your SAMS grid card, it is very important that you access NHSN by logging into SAMS at http://sams.cdc.gov.
Underneath the National Healthcare Safety Network System header please select the “NHSN Reporting” link.
DO NOT access the “NHSN LTC Reporting” option, as this option will direct you to level one security.
Congratulations, you now have Level-3 access to NHSN!
If you experience problems during enrollment, please contact the NHSN user support nhsn@cdc.gov with “Enhancing Data Security” in the subject line.
