CMS has released information for the updated version (4.10.0) of the PBJ Submission File and, effective April 1, 2026, CMS will no longer accept outdated versions. 

How does this impact SimplePBJ users?

SimplePBJ users can continue to use SimplePBJ to assemble and create their PBJ file as normal. The .xml PBJ Submission File will be formatted to meet the new specification requirements, resulting in seamless submission to QIES.net (CMS). 

What else is changing? 

Besides the file specification update, CMS is also restricting the daily limit of hours that can be submitted for a single employee at 22.5. This is to enforce the latest updates to the Policy Manual and reflects the maximum hours that can be submitted after required meal breaks have been removed for work shifts (.5 hours for every 8 hours worked). 

Files created in SimplePBJ will match the CMS requirements for submission. Users can use SimplePBJ tools to adjust any affected shifts, if applicable, before creating their PBJ file. 

What about EmployeeID Linking Files? 

The specifications version update does not impact EmployeeID Linking files. Users can continue to use SimplePBJ for the EmployeeID Linking process. 

Questions? Join us on our next Quarterly Webinar for further explanation.