Creator: Patrick Connole
Clock Is Ticking on PBJ Transition to iQIES – Prep Now
Learn how to prep for this month’s transition of PBJ submissions and reporting from the current Quality Improvement and Evaluation System to iQIES.
In a blog post this week, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) provides the latest information regarding the upcoming 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).
Starting on Aug. 17, all PBJ submissions and reporting activities will transition to iQIES.
To prep, AHCA’s Director of Regulatory and Quality Services Raven Jackson said providers can tap into CMS’s QIES Technical Support Office (QTSO) and its release of the following resources:
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,” Jackson said.
PBJ Submission Deadline Reminder
Facilities should continue preparing their Quarter 3 2026 PBJ submissions. The submission deadline for data covering April 1 through June 30, 2026, is Aug. 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Following this submission deadline, PBJ functionality will transition to iQIES, and future submissions will be completed through the new system, Jackson said.
AHCA also 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, she said.
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 Friday, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. ET.
Comments on this article? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.
