Jul 23, 2026
•Add new employee IDs to the system before linking.
•Link employees as soon as you know about changes.
•It’s okay to link employees before assigning hours.
•Links are active when your file is accepted with no errors.
•Check the employee report to make sure you linked the right people.
•System Employee IDs in QIES will move to iQIES during the transition.
•QIES linking - use the current Federal Fiscal Quarter (Quarter 3) for PBJ link file submissions through August 14, 2026.
•iQIES linking - Quarter 4 submissions start after August 17, 2026. PBJ link file submissions will be accepted in iQIES on August 17, 2026.
•Templates and more information on linking can be found in the downloads section here: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/staffing-data-submission
For additional assistance email the iQIES Service Center at iqies@cms.hhs.gov or contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET. You may also request assistance via secure chat or schedule a call through CCSQ Support Central. Please note that Chat support is currently limited to 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.