Aug 20, 2026
To: NH Providers, PBJ Vendors
CMS is pleased to announce that Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) functionality is now live in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) as of August 17, 2026.
All PBJ submissions must be completed in iQIES.
What This Means for Providers and Vendors
- Existing PBJ policy requirements and quarterly deadlines remain unchanged.
- You can securely access iQIES anytime, anywhere within the US, with internet.
- You only need to log in once, no more using CMSNet and separate systems.
- iQIES includes tips and guidance to help you upload PBJ files and access reports.
- You can upload PBJ files in a way that’s very similar to QIES, so the process should feel familiar.
Prepare Your iQIES Account Now
You must register for PBJ roles in iQIES before you can submit data. For instructions, visit Register for an iQIES Account to Submit PBJ Data on the QIES Technical Support Office (QTSO) website. Users must ensure they have approved access for each facility they are submitting data for.
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. Additional information on the iQIES Inactive User Policy can be found on QTSO.
What to Expect
Review the What to Expect Reminder to understand what you need to know about the transition, including differences between Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) and iQIES PBJ Reports. The communication also covers information on reports that will remain available in CASPER and QIES PBJ view only access (both for a limited time only).
Training and Support
Training materials, user guides, and technical documents will be posted on the iQIES Reference & Manuals QTSO webpage. See the PBJ Resources post for more information. QTSO also has Reminders for PBJ Linking. There is a PBJ Excel to XML Template How to Guide on the iQIES Training Video QTSO webpage. Additional resources will be posted after the launch.
Visit the Staffing Data Submission PBJ website for additional information, helpful tools and links. Review additional policy information in the PBJ Policy Manual and Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System User Guide.
Policy Information
Questions regarding the PBJ policy information should be directed to nhstaffing@cms.hhs.gov.
Technical Assistance
For PBJ submission inquiries, please have your staffing summary report, individual daily staffing report and/or the Submission ID ready to provide for the Representative.
Contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM EST, by e-mail at: iqies@cms.hhs.gov or by going to CCSQ Support Central at CCSQ Support Central to open a Web Ticket or Chat with a live agent using CARL. Please note that Chat support is currently limited to 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.