The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Skilled Nursing Facility- Value Based Purchasing Data Validation Process has begun, and initial notifications have been sent to some selected facilities via their MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Reports folders in the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES). The notifications began being uploaded into the folders on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The SNF data validation process verifies the accuracy of Minimum Data Set (MDS)-based quality measures used in the SNF Value Based Purchasing and Quality Reporting Program (QRP).
Providers should begin routinely accessing their iQIES folders at least twice per week to check if they have received a selection notification for MDS data validation. Once notifications are placed in iQIES, the clock begins. SNFs will have 5 business days to identify and submit information on who the main and secondary point-of-contacts (POCs) are for communication. In addition, any selected SNF that fails to submit requested medical chart documentation within 45 calendar days of the audit notification will be considered noncompliant, resulting in the SNF losing 2% of Medicare reimbursement for the applicable fiscal year.
Instructions are included in notification letters for how to submit the records, which may only be submitted in PDF format.
- Providers are required to combine documentation related to each resident’s medical record into one PDF file (i.e., one file for each resident), organized in the order outlined in the instructions.
- Providers are to bookmark each section within the PDF file using the labels provided in the instructions.
- Each PDF file is required to follow the naming format outlined in the instructions.
SNFs should consider these instructions in anticipation of being selected, to be ready in the event their facility is chosen.