07/03/2025
CMS Releases Updates to PBJ Manual and FAQs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released important updates to the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Policy Manual and accompanying FAQs, now available on the CMS PBJ Staffing Data Submission webpage.
Key updates include:
- PBJ System Registration: Clarification regarding registration through the QIES (Quality Improvement and Evaluation System).
- Onsite Nursing Hours: Reinforcement that all reported nursing hours must reflect onsite hours only.
- FAQ Clarifications:
- Meal breaks and how they should be reported
- Reporting requirements for salaried staff
- RN coverage hour requirements and applicable waivers
- Audit-related guidance and best practices
Members are encouraged to review the updated PBJ Policy Manual and PBJ FAQs available in the Downloads section of the PBJ webpage to ensure ongoing compliance and accurate reporting.
