Long term care facility (LTCF) users who wish to gain full access to the NHSN surveillance modules, various analytic tools, and data reports must complete the enhanced security clearance known as Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) Level 3. Centers who are only reporting to the COVID-19 module in NHSN likely only have a Level 1 security clearance. Users who complete the identify verification process will be migrated from Level 1 to Level 3 SAMS access and will be issued a SAMS grid care for a more secure NHSN user experience.
The process to upgrade from Level 1 to Level 3 can take up to four weeks to be completed, but you will not lose access to NHSN at any time during the process. LTCFs are encouraged to complete the process to gain access to the plethora of resources available in the full NHSN modules. You can learn how to initiate the enhanced security process here.