SNFs should confirm their PBJ software vendors have adopted the Version 4.00.0 XML specification to avoid file rejections, audit their quarterly data manually before submission to catch payroll and timekeeping gaps.
Tips for the PBJ Pro: Importance of the Human Touch
Don’t get lulled into thinking the data from your payroll or timekeeping system is 100% PBJ ready. Many times that ends up not being the case. Always verify your PBJ hours before you submit them to CMS.
— SimpleLTC, October 13, 2021
CMS Focuses on Enforcement in Latest Statement on SNF Policies
CMS started holding SNFs accountable through the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) reporting tool and “directed SSAs to harness the PBJ staffing data using a targeted strategy to address a troubling issue we were seeing in staffing on weekends.”
— Provider Magazine, February 20, 2020
PBJ Update: Goodbye, Self-Reported Census!
A January 9 update to PBJ Data Submission Specifications now states CMS will no longer accept any census data in PBJ file submissions. The new Version 4.00.0 removes all census tags and will be the required format for XML submissions beginning June 2. After this date, files using the older 2.00.0 and 2.00.3 versions will be rejected by CMS.
— SimpleLTC, January 17, 2020
