July 30, 2026 | In Case you Missed It: PBJ is Moving to iQIES
Effective August 17, 2026, all Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data submissions will transition to iQIES. It is important to note that this transition will not affect your facility’s August 14th quarter 3 submission. This submission report will take place in the current PBJ system per your normal processes.
The new submission requirements will become effective with the facility’s PBJ submission for Quarter 4 reporting period (July 1–September 30, 2026) which is due November 14, 2026. The Q4 submission must be submitted via iQIES. All other PBJ reporting requirements and quarterly submission deadlines remain the same.
However, there are some key steps that must occur now to ensure this transition occurs and the facility remains in compliance.
Four Steps are Required of each Facility Before August 17
- Create a HARP Account
Register at HARP Login. Skip if you already have an active HARP account.
- Request iQIES Access
Submit your iQIES access request as early as possible. PBJ functionality is not available until August 17, but requests can be submitted now.
- Select Your PBJ Role
PSO: view, upload, edit, submit, run reports, approve access
PBJ Submitter: view, upload, edit, submit, run reports
Provider Administrator: view reports only
PBJ Viewer: view-only, run reports
- Obtain PSO Approval
Access is not activated until approved by your facility’s PSO. Each facility must have at least one designated PSO.
It is important to note that if a facility is utilizing a PBJ vendor, vendors must request access separately for each facility using the facility’s CCN and obtain PSO approval at each individual facility.
There are some key priorities that facilities should be acting on now for a successful transition and to ensure compliance. Each facility needs to ensure the following:
- Identify all team members responsible for PBJ submission and ensure they obtain the appropriate iQIES access.
- Contact your PBJ vendor now to determine whether additional setup, linking, or authorization steps will be required within iQIES.
- Monitor CMS communications for training, technical guidance, and updated PBJ resources.
- Build additional time into early submission cycles to account for troubleshooting.
Review the PBJ iQIES Timeline:
Now: Start iQIES setup
August 14, 2026: Q3 submission due in current PBJ system per norm
August 17, 2026: PBJ moves to iQIES
November 14, 2026: Q4 first iQIES submission due
Plan ahead and build extra time into submission cycles following the transition to account for trouble shooting. Also, assistance is available.
Policy Questions •Email: [email protected]
Technical Questions •Contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET.
Facilities may also request assistance through secure chat or schedule a call via CCSQ Support Central. Please note that chat support is currently available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET.
For AHCA assistance, please contact [email protected].
