In an updated memo from HHS, the point-of-care testing results are now required as part of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system. The HHS memo identifies that “CMS-certified long term care facilities shall submit point-of-care COVID-19 testing data, including antigen testing data, to CDC’s NHSN.”
To report the point-of-care test results to NHSN, facilities will need to upgrade from SAMS Level-1 access to SAMS Level-3 access. As a reminder, facilities have until November 20th to start reporting Point of Care (POC) antigen test results to NHSN before CMS exercises enforcement discretion. The IHCA/INCAL has received a list from CDC on Nov. 3 of nursing homes that have not yet upgraded to SAMS Level-3. Please review the attached spreadsheet to check if your facility is on this list.
Centers must immediately take action to upgrade from Level-1 to Level-3 to meet this new requirement and avoid enforcement penalties. This process can take up to four weeks, so do not delay. Click here for instructions on how to upgrade. If a nursing facility does not have an active administrator listed (column K) or is no longer active (column M), the facility will need to complete this form or contact NHSN@cdc.gov.
Please review IHCA/INCAL’s recommendations for reporting POC test results.