HOPE Update – Registration for iQIES Open and Validation Utility Tool (VUT) Released | Michael Tidd, COS-C, HCS-D
CMS has opened the enrollment process for iQIES preparation in preparation for the HOPE being implemented on October 1, 2025. This afternoon, the following notice was posted on the iQIES Technical Support Office (QTSO) site. Alliance staff are reviewing this process as well as the Validation Utility Tool (VUT), a tool for vendors to use in testing, which was also posted this afternoon. A summary of the information is forthcoming.
The Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES) is being upgraded to make the system more reliable, scalable, secure, and accessible. The enhanced system, referred to as the internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES), aims to reduce provider burden and enhance the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ability to serve our customers. CMS is excited to announce that the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) assessment submission and reporting functionality will be launched within iQIES on October 1, 2025.
iQIES will require a new user management system because virtual private network (VPN) and CMSNet are not needed to access the iQIES system. All users will have to create an account and establish credentials in the HCQIS Access Roles and Profile system (HARP), which is a secure identity management portal provided by CMS.
Provider Security Official Recruitment
Through HARP, the level of access for iQIES will be similar to the roles that exist in QIES but with the addition of a Provider Security Official (PSO). The individual designated as the PSO must work for the provider and will be responsible for approving or rejecting iQIES user access requests for their respective organizations, including vendors.
At a minimum, at least one PSO needs to be selected, but CMS highly recommends that at least two PSOs are designated so that there is a higher likelihood that there will be someone available to approve/reject iQIES access requests. A user will not be granted access unless a PSO approves the request.
For your organization to receive access to iQIES, your organization must complete the steps below no later than September 10, 2025:
- Identify at least one individual who will be the Provider Security Official (PSO), though CMS recommends at least two.
- Register the PSO for the iQIES login credentials within the Healthcare Quality Information System (HCQIS) Access Roles and Profile (HARP) system at: https://harp.cms.gov/register
- After Identity proofing and your MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is complete, you can access iQIES at the following URL: https://iqies.cms.gov/ using your HARP ID and password (completed in step 2 above) to initiate your Provider Security Official role request for YOUR specific provider CCN.
- Once the PSO role request has been submitted AND approved, you will receive notification via email. At this point you will be one of the designated PSOs for your CCN and have the authority to approve/deny subsequent requests for access of various role types to your provider’s CCN.
***Although the HOPE Assessment Submission functionality will not be available until October 1, 2025, we encourage Provider Security Officials to request access to iQIES as soon as possible, as doing so will allow for a smoother transition prior to the go live date.
To comply with federal security mandates, CMS is initiating new security requirements for access control to CMS Quality Systems through Remote Identify Proofing (RIDP) via the Healthcare Quality Information System (HCQIS) Access, Roles and Profile Management system. Users will create accounts in HCQIS Access Roles and Profile Management (HARP) to gain access to the iQIES system.
Resources
For more information on HARP or iQIES, please refer to the following resources:
HARP
- Fact sheet on HARP Identity Proofing: https://qtso.cms.gov/news-and- updates/remote-identify-proofing-requirements-internet-quality-improvement- evaluation
- FAQs related to HARP: https://harp.cms.gov/login/help
iQIES
- iQIES Security Official: Manage Access Job Aid: https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
- iQIES Quick Reference Guide – Provider Security Official: https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
If you have questions or require assistance, please contact the iQIES Service Center at iqies@cms.hhs.gov or by phone at (800) 339-9313.
Create a new ticket online, track an existing ticket, or recover your HARP password account, please use the CCSQ Support Central: Self-Service Portal
The HOPE Validation Utility Tool (VUT) for vendor testing is now available. The link to the VUT page is provided below. Once on the page select a provider data specification and upload a test file to validate assessment upload compatibility. Results will be displayed in the Final Validation report within the VUT.
Version: HOPE v1.00
The VUT Link: iqies.cms.gov/vut
CMS will provide additional information through various email notifications regarding training, onboarding, details on what to expect, and more.
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