PBJ Submission Due May 15, 2026

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 05/14/2026 06:52:37
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026  by May 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.  Using the PBJ Data Specifications Update – Use the New XML File (Version 4.10.0)  https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/pbj-excel-xml-template-v-4-10-0.zip ? 
Please remember:

• All PBJ XML files must be submitted using Version 4.10.0.    https://www.cms.gov/files/zip/pbj-excel-xml-template-v-4-10-0.zip ?  ?
• Any XML file submitted using a prior version will be rejected.

 
What's Changing in Version 4.10.0

• Users will no longer be able to submit more than 22.5 hours per employee ID per day across all job titles.
• If your facility uses linked employee IDs, continue to ensure that the total hours for one system ID (representing one person) do not exceed 22.5 hours.
• Users will no longer receive a warning for hire or termination dates for 2026 and beyond.
• Providers should confirm that their internal systems and any contracted vendors have fully transitioned to Version 4.10.0 before submitting Q2 data. 

 
Submit Medical Director Hours
Please ensure that the Medical Director's hours are accurately captured and submitted as part of your PBJ file. If you have questions about what is reportable for your Medical Director, please reach out to regulatory@ahca.org for more information.  
Conduct an Internal Review of PBJ Data Before Submission
Regardless of whether PBJ data is submitted internally or through a third-party vendor, providers should complete a thorough internal review before finalizing their submission. While vendors can support the process, the facility remains ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all reported data. At a minimum, providers should:

• Verify all reported hours, including Medical Director hours 
• Review PBJ validation reports for errors or warnings 
• Confirm that no files were rejected during submission 
• Ensure the correct reporting quarter was selected 
• Validate employee IDs and job codes for accuracy 

 
Validate Early: Review Your PBJ Reports
Before the deadline, providers should:
Review the Final File Validation Report
?When submitting XML files, always confirm that the file was accepted, contains the correct data, reflects the correct quarter, and includes all facilities intended for submission.
Review All PBJ CASPER Reports

• ?The Final File Validation Report is generated and stored in CASPER within 24 hours of submission.
• This report identifies whether the file was accepted or rejected and lists any warning or fatal errors.

 
CMS Resources for PBJ Support
CMS provides several tools to assist providers:

• CMS PBJ Website
• Design for Care Compare Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System: Technical Users' Guide January 2026  

iQIES Service Center for technical assistance
Email: iqies@cms.hhs.gov
Schedule a service call via CCSQ Support Central
Live Chat via CCSQ Support Central
 
All files must be submitted by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
For policy questions, contact: NHStaffing@cms.hhs.gov
Members may direct PBJ questions to regulatory@ahca.org.
 
Staff Contact:mcarland[at]mehca.org