The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that, effective August 17, 2026, the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will transition to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES), CMS's secure cloud-based system.
Here's what providers need to know to prepare for the transition.
- Providers will use the current PBJ system for the Quarter 3 reporting period (April 1–June 30, 2026), with submissions due by August 14, 2026.
- PBJ submission for the Quarter 4 reporting period (July 1–September 30, 2026) is due November 14, 2026, and will be submitted via iQIES.
- PBJ reporting requirements or quarterly submission deadlines remain the same.
Four Steps Required Before August 17
Step 1: Create a HARP Account - If you do not already have a HARP account, register through the
HARP Login portal. If you already have an active HARP account, no action is needed for this step.
Step 2: Request iQIES Access - PBJ functionality will not be available within iQIES until August 17th. However, it is recommended that providers submit
iQIES access requests as early as possible.
Step 3: Select Your PBJ Role –
- Provider Security Official (PSO): Can view, upload, edit, and submit PBJ data; run PBJ reports; and approve user access requests.
- PBJ Submitter (Provider or Vendor): Can view, upload, edit, and submit PBJ data and run PBJ reports.
- Provider Administrator: Can view PBJ reports.
- PBJ Viewer: View-only access with the ability to run PBJ reports.
Step 4: Obtain PSO Approval - Access is not activated until it is approved by your facility's PSO. Each facility must have at least one designated PSO.
Important Notes
- Vendors must request access separately for each facility using the facility's CMS Certification Number (CCN) and obtain PSO approval for each facility.
- Users who do not log into iQIES for 60 days will lose access to iQIES. Additional information on the iQIES Inactive User Policy can be found on QTSO.
Organizational Considerations
- Identify all team members responsible for PBJ submission activities 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 and how the vendor will accommodate the transition for direct PBJ submissions to CMS.
- Monitor CMS communications for training opportunities, technical guidance, and updated PBJ resources.
- Build additional time into early submission cycles following the transition to account for onboarding and troubleshooting.
Key Submission Reminder
- The first PBJ submission through iQIES will be due on November 14, 2026, and providers should take steps now to ensure readiness well before that deadline.
CMS will continue to provide information regarding onboarding, training, implementation expectations, and technical guidance through email notifications and other communications.
AHCA will continue monitoring CMS updates related to this transition and will share additional information as it becomes available.
Questions?
Policy Questions
Technical Questions
Contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ET.
Providers 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.