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Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted. The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov. Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at opm.gov.

Changes to the NIH Extended Visitor Badge Program

As part of NIH's ongoing security improvements, the Office of Research Services is redefining the process and eligibility for obtaining Extended Visitor Badges. The NIH is transitioning to “Short-Term Access Credentials" or “STACs" for eligible individuals. STACs may be issued to patients, up to two caregivers and transportation visitors (childcare and caregivers for staff needing reasonable accommodations).  

Patient/Patient Caregivers 

  • Patients and up to 2 caregivers that require repeated visits in a 6-month period may be eligible.
  • Valid for up to 6 months and may be renewed 
  • Upon coordination with the Blood Bank, hemochromatosis blood donors who have weekly appointments may also be eligible

Transportation Visitors 

  • For parents, legal guardians and childcare providers of children in NIH childcare centers; drop-off and pick-up purposes only 
  • Also, for caregivers of NIH staff needing reasonable accommodations to commute to/from their place of work

 

Eligibility information and the Short-Term Access Credential Form can be found on the STACs webpage. This webpage also includes information on what access may be permitted for those who used to be able to receive Extended Visitor Badges.   

As a reminder, non-U.S. persons, including patients and caregivers, must complete VisitNIH pre-registration and receive approval from the HHS Office of National Security prior to their initial visit. It is recommended that the VisitNIH pre-registration process be completed 30 days in advance of their initial visit. The start and end dates of the VisitNIH approval must cover the duration of the STAC request. Non-U.S. patient visitors and caregivers do not require escorts to, from and in the Clinical Center, Safra Lodge or Children's Inn. 

​For questions about the STAC application process after pre-registration, please reach out to the NIH Police at NIHPoliceSpecialEvents@mail.nih.gov or call 301-496-2387 . 

For questions about the VisitNIH pre-registration process for a prospective STAC user, please reach out to the NIH Visitor Access Management Initiative (VAMI) Team at VAMI@od.nih.gov. 

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