On July 14, 2025, the CMS will release the new iQIES Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC) system functionality to participating Nursing Homes and State Agencies. Once ePOC functionality is enabled in iQIES, the current ePOC system will be disabled. Nursing Home providers that currently utilize ePOC will need to request the Provider ePOC Administrator role in iQIES after you sign up for HCQIS Access Roles & Profile (HARP) access. CMS has posted updated User Manuals to the QTSO site, along with training in QSEP for the iQIES Provider ePOC Administrator Role. It is recommended that all persons who will need to obtain access to this role review the training.
During the transition:
- You will not be able to request the Provider ePOC Administrator role in iQIES until July 14, 2025. However, users can sign up for a HCQIS Access Roles and Profile (HARP) account now, which is required to obtain an iQIES role. CMS will send out additional information when the iQIES Provider ePOC Administrator role becomes available.
- For your Provider ePOC Administrator role request to be approved, your organization must have at least one Provider Security Official (PSO) assigned. This should already be established as iQIES is currently used for MDS submission and related reports. CMS recommends that at least two PSOs be established for every CMS certified Nursing Home provider.
- Nursing Home User Training – Provider ePOC Administrator Role is now available in QSEP. Facilities that currently utilize ePOC should have all designees review this training module and the accompanying User Manual.
- If your organization needs to review which roles are available and their descriptions, there is an iQIES User Roles Matrix document available on the: QTSO website.
The transition to iQIES for nursing home surveys could potentially cause some initial disruptions and challenges. However, the goal of iQIES is to improve efficiency and streamline processes in the long run. Some initial slowdown might occur due to the following:
- Technical issues: As with any large system transition, there might be initial technical glitches that could impact the survey process.
- Transition from legacy systems: iQIES is replacing older systems like ASPEN and CASPER and this may require multiple adjustments in process.
- Training and adaptation: DPH and CMS staff have received significant training on the new iQIES platform. Implementation of new knowledge and process may be slower at first.
- Expect larger survey teams initially after the July 14, 2025 release, to allow for our staff to learn and get accustomed to the new platform and processes.
The survey process will continue to utilize the Long Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP), which is also being updated as part of this transition.
iQIES Resources for Providers:
- iQIES Getting Started Overview: https://iqies.cms.gov/iqies/help
- Creating a Harp account: HARP Registration | Profile Information
- iQIES Onboarding Guide for step-by-step instructions to request a user role: https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
- iQIES User Role Matrix for a listing of user category descriptions and role privileges: iQIES Roles Matrix Job Aid (Providers see section 6, page 9)
Provider-focused training courses are available in the Quality, Safety & Education Portal (QSEP), DPH encourages all facility leadership to log in and enroll in these courses to familiarize themselves and prepare.
- iQIES: Nursing Home User Training - Provider ePOC Administrator Role
- Training Description: Learn how to manage the Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC) workflows, including the review of citations within the Statement of Deficiencies as well as the generation and completion of plans of correction.
- User Manual
- Survey and Certification (S&C) Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC): Provider ePOC Administrator Role User Manual S&C User Manual: Electronic Plan of Correction.
For more information, please contact the iQIES Service Center by email: iqies@cms.hhs.gov or by phone: 1-800-339-9313.