CMS QSO Memo: PBJ Transition to iQIES Effective Aug. 17, 2026

Memo # QSO-26-12-NH Posting Date 2026-07-14 Fiscal Year 2026 Memorandum Summary • The Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will transition into the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) on August 17, 2026. • Beginning August 17, 2026, all PBJ staffing data must be submitted through iQIES. Reporting requirements and quarterly deadlines will not …

iQIES Manage User Information and Quick Start Checklist Job Aid v3.0

Overview This job aid answers questions on how to manage your HARP ID and iQIES user role and gives you a checklist on how to start working in iQIES. • You must have a HARP ID to access iQIES.  • All users must have a role in iQIES. iQIES Manage …

What to Expect: PBJ Data Submission and Reporting in iQIES

On August 17, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will launch the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) functionality for Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data submission and reports. Here’s what you need to know about the transition. Prepare Your iQIES Account You must register for PBJ roles in iQIES before you …

iQIES Assessment Management: Assessment Submitter Manual

This document shows how to upload assessments, create and manage assessments, complete change requests, review Final Validation Reports (FVR), and use the Validation Utility Tool (VUT) in iQIES. Jun 24, 2026 From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals

iQIES will Implement an Inactive User Policy

To: iQIES Users, CMS Staff Inactive iQIES User Accounts CMS security policy requires iQIES to deactivate user roles for inactive accounts. To meet this requirement, iQIES will apply an inactive user policy beginning this month. This policy helps CMS keep the system safe and secure. How the Policy Works You …

CMS Finalized Standards for Claims Attachments and Electronic Signatures to Phase Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail for Claims-Related Documentation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is making our shareholders aware of the “Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures (CMS-0053-F)” Final Rule that displayed today, March 20, 2026, and will …

iQIES Onboarding Process – Provider Security Official Update

Overview This job aid provides the steps involved to onboard the Provider Security Official (PSO) Role in iQIES. ● For detailed information on onboarding, refer to iQIES Onboarding Guide. ● For detailed information about user roles, refer to User Roles Matrix on the iQIES Help page. ● A red asterisk …

MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) for Oct. 1, 2025

The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) are now available for download. This version reflects changes finalized in the FY 2026 SNF PPS final rule (90 FR 37310). Note that there are some minor changes since DRAFT 3 (below) was posted, including a new edit -4096.  Please reference the Item Change and Edit Change …

iQIES Resources Site Updated

iQIES is the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System, which is the system that the MDS submissions system is being transferred to. The QIES Technical Support Office maintains a website with iQIES reference materials, including an onboarding guide and other training materials. Most recent updates: Jan 22, 2024 Nov 22, …