Hospice Providers: Finalize your iQIES access before by Oct. 1!
Oct. 1 is right around the corner, and big changes are coming with it. The QIES system will change to iQIES, and HOPE will replace HIS. It is absolutely critical for your Hospice organization to take steps to fully prepare for this transition.
By Oct. 1, every Hospice provider must:
- Finalize iQIES access through HARP
- Designate a Provider Security Official (PSO) to manage CMS data access at your location
Simple has helped thousands of post-acute providers through big data format changes. As we enter the final stretch of this major transition, we invite you to look at our past resources for additional guidance.
Designate at least one PSO before Oct. 1.
To support a smooth transition, review the following key details related to user roles and permissions within iQIES. Pages 9-12 of the iQIES Roles Matrix Job Aid lists the “Provider User Roles and Privileges.” We recommend that all Hospice providers at minimum designate a “Provider Security Official,” which is listed as “SO” in the table of permissions (pages 9-12).
[Simple clients only] Grant Simple access to roles & privileges
If your organization uses Simple for CMS submissions, your PSO will need to approve our request for the Third-Party Vendor Assessment Submitter Role within iQIES. Simple will request access to the Roles and Privileges Actions sections marked “yes” as outlined below. Timely action is essential to avoid disruptions in assessment submissions!
Additional Resource
Please also review the following CMS resource document for additional role details:
- iQIES Roles Matrix Job Aid
- Provider Security Official (see pages 9–12)
- Third-Party User Roles (see page 40)
FAQ for Simple Clients
Thank you for being a Simple client! We appreciate your partnership as we work together to navigate this important transition to the new iQIES system.
As a Simple client, what else should I know about the iQIES change?
Following are some frequently asked questions about iQIES and how it affects your Simple software and HIS/HOPE transmissions:
What is iQIES?
iQIES (internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System) is an internet-based system that will be used for all submissions and communications to/from CMS, including HOPE submissions, surveys, and certifications. Official iQIES manuals from CMS can be found here.
While iQIES has already been implemented in other care settings, the upcoming transition marks a significant milestone for hospice providers. Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, all HOPE assessment submissions and reporting will be conducted through iQIES. Providers must ensure they are fully onboarded and ready to use the system by that date.
When will I receive the HARP emails asking me to configure iQIES Submitter roles for Simple personnel?
Emails sent from HARP regarding configuration of iQIES Submitter roles for Simple personnel were sent out the week of Aug. 11, 2025.
Will iQIES change how I submit MDS data through Simple?
No. If you have properly configured PSO and Submitter roles, allowing Simple to access and manage your HIS/HOPE data, you will not notice a change in your HIS/HOPE transmission workflow.
How often do my PSOs have to log in?
Your PSOs need to log in to iQIES every 60 days, otherwise CMS will automatically remove access for security reasons. Please be sure you log in regularly to maintain account access.
Where will I find my CASPER reports under iQIES?
CASPER reports can be manually retrieved by anyone with access to iQIES. Simple is updating our software to automatically retrieve those reports for you. This update will be available soon.
Will Simple provide additional information about iQIES?
Yes. Simple has planned a webinar for Aug. 26, 2025, Navigating iQIES for Hospice. We will provide a recording of the training along with handouts for all interested Hospice professionals.
What if I have more questions about iQIES or PSO/Submitter configuration?
The iQIES transition is a complicated process, and we understand this may cause confusion for our clients. After you’ve followed the steps above, if you still have questions, please reach out to our Support Team for further information.