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PBJ Moving to iQIES

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is excited to share that the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will move into iQIES on August 17, 2026. iQIES is a secure, cloud-based system that CMS uses to collect and manage quality and compliance information. Moving PBJ into iQIES is part of ongoing work to modernize systems and improve security. Starting August 17, 2026, you must submit all PBJ staffing data in iQIES. Your reporting requirements and quarterly deadlines will not change.

CMS will provide additional information before the launch through various email notifications regarding onboarding, training, details on what to expect, and more.

Follow the steps below to be sure you are ready for this change:
  1. Create a HCQIS Access Roles and Profile System (HARP) account - Skip this step if you already have a HARP If you do not have an account, register here.
  2. Request access to iQIES- Submit your request early so your access is ready before launch. Although you may request your PBJ role before August 17 (and CMS strongly recommends you do so), PBJ functionality will not be available for use in iQIES until August 17, 2026.
  3. Choose the correct PBJ role within iQIES - Role descriptions are listed below.
    1. PSO: Can view, upload, edit PBJ data and run PBJ reports. This role also approves user access.
    2. PBJ Submitter (Provider or Vendor): Can view, upload, edit PBJ data and run PBJ reports.
    3. Provider Administrator: View-only access and run PBJ reports.
    4. PBJ Viewer: View-only access and run PBJ reports.
    5. Additional information on roles can be found in the iQIES Onboarding Process - Provider User Roles Manual posted on the iQIES Reference and Manuals on QTSO under iQIES Onboarding Guides.
  4. Get approval from your facility's Provider Security Official (PSO)- Your access will not become active until they approve it.  Each facility must have at least one PSO to manage access for additional users.
    1. Once you register for an iQIES account, be sure to log in regularly. If you do not log in for 60 days, you'll lose access to iQIES. Additional information on the iQIES Inactive User Policy can be found on QTSO.
 
Vendors must request access for each facility they represent and get approval from a PSO at each facility, using the facility's CMS Certification Number (CCN).
 
Visit the Staffing Data Submission PBJ website for additional information, helpful tools and links. Review additional policy information in the PBJ Policy Manual and Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System User Guide.
 
Policy Questions: Email: nhstaffing@cms.hhs.gov

Technical Questions: Contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET. You may also request assistance via secure chat or schedule a call through CCSQ Support Central. Please note that Chat support is currently limited to 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
 
Staff contact: mcarland[at]mehca.org
 

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