Data Validation Process

Overview

What is the Data Validation Process?

The Data Validation Process evaluates the accuracy of quality measure data elements derived from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which are used in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) and Quality Reporting Programs (QRP) for assessing quality of care and measuring quality of care improvement.

Administered by the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ), Division of Chronic and Post-Acute Care (DCPAC), this process was established to comply with Section 1888(h)(12)(A) of the Social Security Act (by section 111(a)(4) of Division CC of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116–260)) mandating a validation process for data submitted under the SNF VBP and QRP.

Data Validation Process Resources

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed resources including training materials and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support Skilled Nursing Facility participation in the Data Validation Process. If after reviewing the available resources, you are still seeking additional information, please contact the SNF Data Validation Help Desk at snfvalidation@hcmsllc.com

Updates

December 23, 2025

Data Validation Process Announcement

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing notice that the Skilled Nursing Facility- Value Based Purchasing Data Validation Process - will begin MDS data validation January 1, 2026, with the notification process starting mid-January 2026. SNF providers will be randomly selected for MDS data validation and selection notices will be uploaded to the MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Reports folders in the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES) mid-January 2026.

The SNF data validation process verifies the accuracy of Minimum Data Set (MDS)-based quality measures used in the SNF Value Based Purchasing and Quality Reporting Program (QRP). The SNF data validation process has been established in response to Section 1888(h)(12) of the Social Security Act that requires the Secretary to apply a data validation process to SNF VBP and QRP measures. In the SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2024 final rule (CMS1779-F) and FY 2025 final rule (CMS-1802-F), CMS specified that a data validation process for MDS-based measures would be implemented to ensure accurate quality data beginning with the FY 2027 program year/FY 2025 performance period.

Providers should access their iQIES folders mid-month to check if they have received a selection notification for MDS data validation. You may access the following link to review additional information on the process: Data Validation Process, a prepared YouTube training video https://youtu.be/B20RF412eug , and, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), the Data Validation Process Webpage, and the Data Validation Help Desk contact information. See Validation Process.

If you have questions about accessing the training video or feedback regarding the training, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to SNF Validation Help Desk at snfvalidation@hcmsllc.com

December 23, 2025

NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Overview of the Data Validation Process for the SNF Assessment-Based Measures

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a recorded presentation which describes the new data validation process. This training will support facilities in understanding the purpose and structure of the data validation process including the notification and submission process, required activities for selected SNFs, and where to find key resources.

To access the recorded presentation, select the following link: https://youtu.be/B20RF412eug

The slides and transcripts for this presentation can be found in the Downloads section at the bottom of this page.

If you have questions about accessing training or feedback regarding the training, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to SNF Validation Help Desk at snfvalidation@hcmsllc.com.

Learn more about SNF Value Based Purchasing and Quality Reporting Program:

This page will be periodically updated with new information and resources.