As a reminder to all skilled nursing providers, Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submissions are due 45 days after quarter end, as required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, submissions are due on February 14, 2026.
Information Technology Update – Windows 10 Support Ended
PBJ Data must be submitted through the CMS Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES/QIES) system, and reporting requirements are outlined in the CMS Electronic Staffing Data Submission – Payroll Based Journal Policy Manual. This can be accessed at this link.
This will be the first PBJ submission due since CMSNET ended support for Windows 10 as it relates to the QIES VPN.
Effective November 15, 2025, CMS implemented a policy restriction which prevents users on Windows 10 from connecting to the QIES VPN, due to Microsoft ending Windows 10 support.
As users submitting the PBJ must connect via this VPN to login to submit data, users must either upgrade to Windows 11 or other compatible operating system to be able to log in and submit data successfully. We strongly recommend working with your internal information technology teams to confirm system compatibility and prevent issues at submission time.
Compliance & Five-Star Rating Impact
Failure to update properly could result in last-minute complications, delayed submissions or inability to submit PBJ data. Failing to submit PBJ by the deadline will automatically result in a one-star staffing rating under the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System, regardless of staffing levels.
Helpful CMS Resources
The following CMS and QTSO resources may be helpful as you prepare your submission:
- CMS Staffing Data Submission – PBJ Overview
- CMSNet End of Support for Windows 10 (QTSO Notice)
- QIES Technical Support Office (Help Desk & Access Forms)
If you have any questions or concerns regarding PBJ reporting requirements, submission deadlines, or CMS system access, we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your specific situation.
This material has been prepared for general, informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. Should you require any such advice, please contact us directly. The information contained herein does not create, and your review or use of the information does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship.
