NHSN Set-up (required before beginning reporting)

Log in to SAMS using your grid card and password, and select 'NHSN Reporting.'
Select your facility from the “NHSN Landing Page".
Go to “facility” on the navigation menu and select locations.
For each unit in your facility, create a code, location label and assign a CDC location description. The codes and labels you choose will identify patient care locations in your facility.

Location Mapping Quick Reference Guide February 2013

CDC Location Labels and Location Descriptions, January 2017 [PDF – 808K]

Time to complete step: 18 minutes

Monthly reporting plans indicate which modules you intend to follow. Once the “Influenza Vaccination Summary” box is checked on a monthly reporting plan, the system will auto-check that same box on every monthly reporting plan throughout the entire NHSN-defined influenza season (defined as the 12 months from July 1 – June 30).  If your ASC also does SSI surveillance, you will have to enter monthly reporting plans for this in the Patient Safety Component.

a. Each user will need to complete training and register with SAMS.

b. We suggest a facility identify at least 2 users with administrative rights.

Tip: Set-up is a good time to add other users to assist with reporting.

Time to complete step: 6 minutes

Access NHSN reporting at https://sams.cdc.gov.

Start entering events for the modules selected in monthly reporting plan.

Go to the Tracking Infections in Ambulatory Surgery Centers for more reporting resources.