National Healthcare Safety Network

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a secure, internet-based system which tracks healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). NHSN provides data to identify problem areas and measure progress of prevention efforts, with the ultimate goal of eliminating HAIs. Participation in NHSN reporting is part of the ESRD Quality-Incentive Program for in-center dialysis facilities treating more than 10 patients.

Enrollment Requirements

In order to access NHSN, facilities need to be set up in NHSN, and individuals need to register as users. This is a multi-step process that requires the completion of online training, installation of a digital certificate, and the submittal of both electronic and paper forms. The entire process can take 2-3 weeks to complete. Below are resources to assist with enrollment:

• CDC Webinar on NHSN Enrollment (pdf)
• NHSN Enrollment Checklist (pdf)
• Enrollment Instructions from the CDC Website

Data to be reported on NHSN

Each month, facility users must log on to NHSN to indicate their patient census and the results of dialysis-event surveillance.  In general, infection events would include:

• IV antimicrobial starts
• Positive blood cultures
• Pus, redness, or increased swelling at the vascular access site