---
title: The Ultimate Payroll-Based Journal Resource Guide
description: CMS' mandatory start date for Payroll-Based Journal data collection is July 1st. If you’ve been putting it off and aren’t sure where to start, we have you covered. We have compiled the ultimate list of PBJ resources.
---

[LTC & Senior Living Best Practices & Insights Blog | OnShift ](https://www.onshift.com/resources/blog)

# [The Ultimate Payroll-Based Journal Resource Guide](https://www.onshift.com/resources/blog/the-ultimate-payroll-based-journal-resource-guide)

 Written by [Mike Pumphrey](https://www.onshift.com/resources/blog/author/mike-pumphrey) | Jun 30, 2016 7:58:01 PM

The mandatory start date for Payroll-Based Journal data collection is July 1st.  If you’ve been putting it off and aren’t sure where to start, we have you covered. I’ve compiled the ultimate list of [PBJ resources](https://www.onshift.com/products/payroll-based-journal-software-solutions) that will have you caught up in no time.

#### **Payroll-Based Journal 101**

Still uncertain what PBJ means for your organization? You’re not alone--but you’ll want to learn in a hurry. Here are a few quick articles and government guides that will help you understand the basics.

- First, [what is payroll-based journal?](https://www.onshift.com/products/payroll-based-journal-software-solutions)
- This OnShift blog, [“The PBJ Inside and Out: Understanding the New CMS Staffing Data Reporting”](https://www.onshift.com/blog/pbj-inside-and-out-understanding-new-cms-staffing-data-report)<https://www.onshift.com/pbj-inside-and-out-understanding-new-cms-staffing-data-reporting>offers great detailed information on what PBJ is and what it means for you.
- LeadingAge published an article in 2015 when PBJ was first announced. Though it’s older, it’s still a good source of basic information.
- CMS is the government agency that will be enforcing and regulating PBJ, so you’ll definitely want to read their [guidelines for data collection and submission](https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Staffing-Data-Submission-PBJ.html).
- [This resource from CMS is a quick reference sheet](https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Downloads/PBJ-QTSO-Registration-Training.pdf) of PBJ action items and links to important pages, like where you need to go to register for PBJ.
- What does the July 1st deadline really mean? PBJ expert Peter Corless [breaks it down](https://www.onshift.com/blog/the-payroll-based-journal-july-1-deadline-what-it-really-means) for you.

#### **Payroll-Based Journal FAQs**

Even if you understand the basics, you’ve probably still got some questions. Here are some resources featuring frequently asked Payroll-Based Journal questions, and answers from some PBJ experts.

- ACHA has published two very comprehensive FAQ documents--the [first offers 54 questions and answers](https://a590f5e4d53aed2b3db8-68298049b65edbd7ec9f493f0b1c8eb3.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/ahca_947cdcd504d973d7a97b418224d07528.pdf) and the [second offers 31 questions and answers](https://a590f5e4d53aed2b3db8-68298049b65edbd7ec9f493f0b1c8eb3.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/ahca_29958aa9650d73323bb6ed22aa05f374.pdf).
- OnShift recently published [10 Frequently Asked Questions about Payroll-Based Journal](https://www.onshift.com/blog/10-frequently-asked-questions-about-payroll-based-journal) based on the most popular questions we received during our PBJ webinar.
- All the questions you should ask yourself as you get ready for PBJ are in this blog: [Got Questions? We Have Answers!](https://www.onshift.com/blog/payroll-based-journal-pbj-reporting-got-questions-we-have-answers)
- CMS also [published a document](https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Downloads/PBJ-Policy-Manual-FAQ-4-27-16.pdf) containing 18 commonly asked PBJ questions.
- Get answers to [even more payroll-based journal frequently asked questions](https://www.onshift.com/products/payroll-based-journal-software-solutions) here.  

#### **Payroll-Based Journal Best Practices**

If you’re ready to take it to the next level and implement some of the knowledge you’ve gained, here are some best practices we’ve learned over the past year of researching, presenting and talking to our customers.

- There are lots of details to keep in mind when [submitting PBJ data](https://www.onshift.com/products/payroll-based-journal-software-solutions).
- Find out how to [avoid the pitfalls of PBJ](https://www.onshift.com/blog/5-payroll-based-journal-gotchas-and-how-to-avoid-them).
- This whitepaper will get you ready for PBJ in [5 simple steps](https://www3.onshift.com/5-steps-get-payroll-based-journal-ready).
- LeadingAge members have the opportunity to adopt OnShift PBJ Reporting Software at a [significant discount](http://www.leadingage.org/OnShift_PBJ_Software.aspx)—always a best practice in my book!
- [Leverage technology](https://www.onshift.com/products/payroll-based-journal-software-solutions) to simplify your PBJ submission process.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to take action. The first PBJ data submission deadline (November 14, 2016) will be here before you know it. Don’t wait until the last minute to put your PBJ plans in place!

[View full post](https://www.onshift.com/resources/blog/the-ultimate-payroll-based-journal-resource-guide)

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