NHSN Enrollment for Dialysis Facilities - CMS QIP

For complete detailed enrollment instructions please download the NHSN Facility Administrator Enrollment Guide [PDF - 496 KB] October 2011. Please see FAQs about NHSN and the CMS ESRD QIP Rule.

Step 1: Training and Preparation

Print and follow detailed checklist [PDF - 213 KB] to ensure successful and efficient enrollment.

Complete required training and Outpatient Dialysis Center Practices Survey [PDF - 68 KB]. Be sure to check trusted websites and spam blockers.

Time to complete step 1: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Step 2: Register

Agree to Rules of Behavior and register facility with NHSN using CMS Certification Number (CCN).

Time to complete step 2: 10 minutes

Immediately after registration, you will receive an NHSN email,
subject "Welcome to NHSN!"

Step 3a: Request Digital Certificate

Use the password provided in the "Welcome to NHSN!" email to enroll in the Secure Data Network (SDN) and request the 'NHSN Enrollment' activity. Successful enrollment in SDN will automatically generate a request for your digital certificate.

Tip: Make a copy of your challenge phrase (password), noting upper and lower case letters and special characters.

Time to complete step 3a: 16 minutes

Immediately receive NHSN email, subject "NHSN Digital Certificate Confirmation."

Step 3b: Install Digital Certificate

Within 3 business days receive PHIN email, "Action Required" and install digital certificate using instructions provided. Save a copy of your digital certificate.

Time to complete step 3b: 35 minutes

Step 4: Submit Forms Electronically

Tip: Facility type must be 'AMB-HEMO - Hemodialysis Center'

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 2 signatures are on the form and fax to CDC.

Tip: To open the consent form, you may need to log in to SDN using your challenge phrase and then copy and paste the link into that browser window.

Time to complete step 5: 10 minutes (varies)

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

Continue to NHSN SET-UP (required before beginning reporting)

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Contact NHSN:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Healthcare Safety Network
MS-A24
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333
800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays
nhsn@cdc.gov