CMS has updated its Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Data Validation Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), clarifying point-of-contact submissions, medical record documentation requirements, and noncompliance notifications. Providers should review the October 2026 FAQs and incorporate these reminders into their submission processes.
Key Updates
- Point of contact (POC): Use the link in the selection notification for the current validation period. Submit contact information within five business days. Information submitted for a non-selected facility will not be saved.
- File names: Follow the naming instructions in the selection notification.
- Resident photos: Do not include resident photos, Social Security numbers, face sheets, or records outside the requested date range.
- Noncompliance reasons: New Question 20 identifies two common reasons for noncompliance: failing to submit all requested records and failing to submit documentation by the deadline.
- Noncompliance notices: Facilities found noncompliant receive a Failure to Submit Medical Records Letter through iQIES, plus a notice from their Medicare Administrative Contractor.
The deadline for the data validation process remains 45 calendar days from the initial selection notification, by 11:59 p.m. If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, records are due the next business day by 11:59 p.m.
November Notification Reminder:
November is one of the scheduled notification months for SNF data validation, along with February, May, and August. Providers are reminded to check their iQIES MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Reports folders at least twice weekly during November for a potential selection notification.