How to Run a SAM.gov Exclusion Check for Healthcare (Step-by-Step)

Access SAM.gov Website

Healthcare organizations that bill or receive funds from federal programs must verify that vendors, employees, and contractors are not on the governmentwide Entity Exclusion List. Performing this check on SAM.gov is a core element of Federal Healthcare Compliance and helps you prevent prohibited payments or participation.

Navigate to the official SAM.gov site and open the global Search. You can conduct a basic exclusions search without creating a registration. Agree to any terms-of-use prompts so you can access public search tools and begin screening immediately.

Log In with Login.gov Credentials

While exclusions can be searched publicly, signing in with your Login.gov account enables stronger audit trails, saved searches, and downloads you can attach to compliance files. Use multifactor authentication to complete sign-in and return to SAM.gov.

Remember: SAM.gov Registration Requirements apply to entities seeking awards or grants, not to running a one-time exclusion check. Logging in simply enhances documentation for Exclusion Status Verification and internal policy needs.

Initiate Exclusion Search

From the SAM.gov header, select Search and then choose Advanced Search to expose all filters. You can start broadly, then narrow your results to reduce false positives common with short or common names used in healthcare supply chains.

If you are screening a business, plan to capture its Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) first. Confirming the legal identity before you screen the Entity Exclusion List prevents mismatches and speeds your review.

Select Entity Information Domain

In Advanced Search, select the Entity Information domain to confirm the organization’s official name, address, and UEI. Note variations (DBA, legacy DUNS) you may need when you switch to exclusions screening. Record the UEI and any alternate spellings for precise matching.

After confirming identity details, switch your search domain to Exclusions to perform the actual exclusion check. Using the UEI or exact legal name from Entity Information minimizes the chance of overlooking a relevant record.

Apply Exclusion Filters

Within the Exclusions domain, apply filters to target actionable records and streamline your review workload. Focus on criteria that matter for federal participation decisions.

• Status: choose Active to surface current exclusions; optionally include Inactive to view historical actions and Exclusion Termination Date history.
• Excluding Agency or Excluding Agency Codes: filter by the authority that issued the action to match your policy scope.
• Match Type: start with Exact name, then broaden to “contains” for potential aliases or spacing differences.
• Location: add country, state, or city if the name is common in healthcare markets.
• Exclusion Type: review Procurement, Non‑Procurement, or Reciprocal actions based on your engagement with the entity or individual.

Enter Entity Search Criteria

Enter the data you validated in the Entity Information domain. Prioritize high-confidence identifiers and then add descriptive fields to refine results.

• UEI (Unique Entity Identifier): best for organizations; not all exclusion records include a UEI, but use it when available.
• Legal Business Name and DBA: input the exact name; try documented variations if no match appears.
• Legacy Identifiers: if known, test prior DUNS or CAGE data referenced in historical records.
• Address Details: city, state, and country help distinguish between similarly named providers.
• Individuals: use full name and middle initial where available; avoid unnecessary personal data not requested by the form.

Review Exclusion Results

Open each candidate result to review details carefully. Confirm the identity against your source records, then determine whether the exclusion is currently enforceable for your engagement.

• Exclusion Status Verification: confirm Active vs. Inactive. Active means the entity or individual is currently excluded.
• Exclusion Termination Date: if present, verify whether the date has passed; an inactive record with a past termination date typically indicates the action ended.
• Excluding Agency Codes and Name: note the issuing agency and code; retain these in your compliance log for traceability.
• Authority/Cause: review the action’s basis (e.g., suspension, debarment) and any remarks relevant to your risk assessment.
• Cross‑References: look for UEI, legacy DUNS, or other identifiers that corroborate the match.

Documentation tip: capture a timestamped export or screenshot of the search criteria and results. If your program requires it, save the record page and your determination memo in the file. If no matches are found, document “no record found in SAM.gov” with the search date to satisfy audit expectations.

Summary

You run a SAM.gov exclusion check by confirming identity in Entity Information, switching to the Exclusions domain, applying focused filters, and validating each hit’s status, agency code, and termination date. Consistent, well‑documented checks help you meet Federal Healthcare Compliance obligations and prevent disallowed payments.

FAQs

What is a SAM.gov exclusion check?

A SAM.gov exclusion check is a search of the governmentwide Entity Exclusion List to determine whether an organization or individual is barred from receiving federal contracts, subcontracts, or assistance. In healthcare, it supports Federal Healthcare Compliance by preventing payments or participation by excluded parties.

How do I verify healthcare entities on SAM.gov?

First confirm the entity’s legal name and UEI in the Entity Information domain, then switch to the Exclusions domain. Apply filters (Active status, Excluding Agency Codes, location) and review each result’s details—especially Exclusion Termination Date and current status—to complete Exclusion Status Verification.

Can I perform exclusion checks without a Login.gov account?

Yes. Public search allows you to run exclusions checks without signing in. However, using Login.gov helps you save searches, export results, and maintain stronger documentation for audits. This is separate from SAM.gov Registration Requirements, which apply to entities seeking awards.

What information is required to search for an excluded entity?

You can search by legal name and, when available, the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). To refine results, add location details and known variations (DBA or legacy DUNS). Then confirm matches by reviewing status, Excluding Agency Codes, and the Exclusion Termination Date in each record.