diff --git a/cdisc_rules_engine/utilities/rule_processor.py b/cdisc_rules_engine/utilities/rule_processor.py
index a6b53b773..3f8a5a961 100644
--- a/cdisc_rules_engine/utilities/rule_processor.py
+++ b/cdisc_rules_engine/utilities/rule_processor.py
@@ -683,8 +683,6 @@ def _extract_targets_from_conditions(
         seen: set[str] = set()
         conditions: ConditionInterface = rule["conditions"]
         for condition in conditions.values():
-            if condition.get("operator") == "not_exists":
-                continue
             target: str = condition["value"].get("target")
             if target is None:
                 continue