What’s happening: CMS continues to prepare nursing homes and vendors for the transition of Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) submissions and reporting from the current Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES) to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES).

• Beginning August 17, 2026, all PBJ submissions and reporting activities will transition to iQIES. 

To support providers through this transition, CMS’s QIES Technical Support Office (QTSO) has released the following resources to assist facilities with navigating PBJ functionality in iQIES:

• Electronic Staffing Data Submission: Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) User Manual – Provides detailed explanations on how to upload PBJ files, review submission results, manage employee records, and manage staffing hours.

• PBJ Error Message User Guide – Provides detailed explanations and troubleshooting guidance for PBJ system error messages.

• PBJ Error Message Reference Guide FINAL 07.20.26_0.xlsx – A downloadable spreadsheet for quick reference and filtering. 

As a reminder, the transition to iQIES will not change PBJ reporting requirements or quarterly submission deadlines. Facilities will need to ensure staff responsible for PBJ reporting have completed the necessary steps to obtain access to iQIES before the transition occurs.

Upcoming PBJ submission deadline: Facilities should continue preparing their Quarter 3 2026 PBJ submissions.

• The submission deadline for data covering April 1 through June 30, 2026, is August 14, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Following this submission deadline, PBJ functionality will transition to iQIES, and future submissions will be completed through the new system.

Action for facilities: AHCA encourages members to submit PBJ data early, review validation reports, and address any submission errors before the deadline. Early preparation will also help ensure a smoother transition to iQIES. 

Questions regarding PBJ policy should be directed to CMS at nhstaffing@cms.hhs.gov. For technical assistance, contact the QIES Help Desk at iqies@cms.hhs.gov or (800) 339-9313.

• CMS will also provide live phone and email support through  August 14, 2026, at 8:00 pm ET.

AHCA will continue monitoring CMS updates and providing members with additional resources and education opportunities as the PBJ transition progresses. 

• Member questions can be directed to regulatory@ahca.org.