CMS recently notified providers that the SNF Data Validation Process for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) and Quality Reporting (SNF QRP) programs will start in January 2026.
Those facilities who are selected will begin to receive notification letters in iQIES in mid-January and continue on a rolling basis.
- Selected SNFs will be notified through their iQIES MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Report folder. The initial selection notification that will be uploaded to a selected SNFs iQIES 3.0 MDS Provider Previews Report folder will be titled Skilled Nursing Facility Data Validation Process - Initial Selection Notification. SNFs are encouraged to begin checking their iQIES folders weekly starting in January 2026.
- Selected SNFs are required to submit requested medical record documentation to support validation of 10 MDS assessment records.
- Any SNF that fails to submit requested medical reord documentation within 45 calendar days of the audit notification will be considered noncompliant, resulting in the SNF losing 2% of Medicare reimbursement for the applicable fiscal year.
- SNFs may file for reconsideration if they believe the finding of noncompliance is in error through that process.
Additional information and resource materials can be accessed on the CMS webpage or if further information is needed by contacting the SNF Validation Help Desk at snfvalidation@hcmsllc.com.