Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) preparing fourth quarter Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submissions should plan for heavier demand on Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) technical support as the filing deadline nears. The iQIES Service Center expects increased call and email volume from October 1 through November 14, 2026.
The fourth quarter reporting period ran from July 1 through September 30, 2026. PBJ files must be successfully submitted through iQIES by November 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Files submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Do not wait until the final days of the submission period. An early submission leaves time to review system-generated reports, correct rejected files, resolve account access problems, and contact the Service Center if needed.
How to Prepare
1. Review Access Before Submission
Before submitting PBJ data, confirm that the appropriate staff can access iQIES and that their Healthcare Quality Information System Access, Roles, and Profile (HARP) credentials are active.
For HARP password or multifactor authentication (MFA) problems, use the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) Support Central Chat and Resource Line, known as CARL. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Addressing access problems before the deadline can prevent avoidable delays and other submission issues.
2. Prepare Information Before Requesting Assistance
Before contacting the Service Center about a technical or submission problem, gather the information relevant to the issue.
Depending on the problem, you may need: the facility’s CMS Certification Number, the user’s QIES identification number, an existing Service Center case number, the PBJ submission identification number, the PBJ Staffing Summary Report, the Individual Daily Staffing Report, or details about a rejected or unsuccessful file.
Having this information ready helps Service Center representatives assess the problem and begin troubleshooting.
3. Use One Support Method Per Issue
Report the same problem through only one support channel. Options include telephone, email, an online support ticket, a scheduled call, or CARL live chat.
Submitting the same request through several channels does not move the case forward and may add to the Service Center’s expected backlog. If a case is already open, keep the ticket number and include it in follow-up communications.
Send PBJ policy questions to [email protected]. Direct questions about iQIES access, file submission, or system performance to the iQIES Service Center.
4. Monitor Submission Results
Uploading a PBJ file does not confirm that CMS accepted it. After submission, review the available PBJ reports and verify that the file processed successfully.
Keep supporting records, including confirmation details, the submission identification number, staffing reports, and documentation for any technical support cases.
If a file is rejected, review the identified errors, make the necessary corrections, and resubmit before the deadline.
5. Submit PBJ Data Early
Submitting early is one of the clearest ways to reduce deadline risk. An advance submission gives facilities more time to:
- Identify rejected files or validation issues.
- Correct employee, job code, census, or staffing information.
- Resolve HARP or iQIES access problems.
- Contact the Service Center when technical assistance is needed.
- Confirm that corrected files were accepted before the deadline.
Live telephone and email support for the November 14 deadline will be available through Friday, November 13, 2026, until 8 p.m. ET. Do not count on receiving live assistance on the final submission date.
Recommended Next Steps
Before the deadline, SNFs should:
- Confirm that designated employees can access HARP and iQIES.
- Complete the PBJ file preparation and review process.
- Submit the file before the final days of the reporting period.
- Review submission results and related PBJ reports.
- Research and correct rejected records promptly.
- Retain submission confirmations, reports, and support case documentation.
How Forvis Mazars Can Help
PBJ reporting extends beyond the quarterly filing deadline. Facilities also need accurate staffing, employee, agency, census, and timekeeping records to support the data submitted to CMS.
Professionals at Forvis Mazars can help senior living and long-term care providers review PBJ data, prepare submissions, strengthen reporting processes and supporting documentation, and respond to identified discrepancies. If your organization has questions about PBJ reporting or needs help preparing for the upcoming deadline, please contact us.