CMS Releases Memo on Data Discrepancies and Other Care Compare Updates

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 01/10/2026 08:42:11
• In: Quality/Regulatory

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a Quality and Safety Special Alert Memo related to the impact of the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluations System (iQIES) on Nursing Home Care Compare reporting.  
The memo noted two specific concerns:  

• Related to the iQIES transition, which occurred in July 2025, some survey data did not transition correctly from the legacy system. If facilities note discrepancies with their survey score on Care Compare, CMS encourages them to email BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov. 
• Beginning February 25, 2026, CMS will be removing the number of complaint allegations and the number of facility-reported incidents from Nursing Home Care Compare.   

Before the transition, the number of substantiated complaints was provided. However, based on a CMS policy change, the term “substantiated” is no longer applicable. Therefore, CMS removed this filter as part of the system transition. CMS is evaluating how to better present complaint information to ensure it is clear, accurate, and useful for consumers making healthcare decisions. 
 
CMS directs all questions regarding the memo to BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov.  
 
AHCA has been in ongoing communication with CMS since providers began noticing discrepancies in their survey scores that were seemingly related to this transition. CMS informed AHCA that some corrections will be made with an off-cycle update on January 14, 2026. Your Five-Star Preview Reports are automatically placed in your SNF Provider Preview Folder in iQIES. The routine update will also occur later this month.  
 
If you have questions about potential discrepancies, you may send them to the AHCA Regulatory Team
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org