The Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will transition into the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) on Aug. 17, according to a notice by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“Beginning Aug. 17, 2026, all PBJ staffing data must be submitted through iQIES. Reporting requirements and quarterly deadlines will not change. Providers and vendors must act now to ensure access to iQIES before the transition date. Beginning Aug. 17, 2026, users will be allowed to access and run PBJ reports in iQIES,” the agency said.

iQIES is a secure, cloud‑based system that CMS uses to collect and manage quality and compliance information. CMS said the transitioning of PBJ into iQIES is part of ongoing work to modernize systems and improve security.

Getting Started

In a section of the notice called “What You Need to Do Before Launch to Get Access to iQIES,” the agency listed the following:

1. Create an HCQIS Access Roles and Profile System (HARP) account - Skip this step if you already have a HARP account.

   
   

2. Request access to iQIES - Submit your request early so your access is ready before launch. Although you may request your PBJ role before Aug. 17 (and CMS strongly recommends you do so), PBJ functionality will not be available for use in iQIES until Aug. 17.

   
   

3. Choose the correct PBJ role.

   
   - PSO: Can view, upload, edit PBJ data and run PBJ reports. This role also approves user access.

   - PBJ Submitter (Provider or Vendor): Can view, upload, edit PBJ data and run PBJ reports.

    - Provider Administrator: View-only access and run PBJ reports.

   - PBJ Viewer: View-only access and run PBJ reports.

   
   

   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. 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.

Comments or questions? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.