Data Submission Test Window Has Opened
folder_openData Submissionscalendar_todayPosted July 27, 2026
Survey vendors should be advised that the HHCAHPS Data Submission Tools are now available to submit your test XML files. This test window will run from today (July 26) through August 10. After August 10, the Data Submission Tools will again be unavailable, and they will then reopen on August 31 to accept live data for the Quarter 2, 2026 data submissions.
The table below displays the anticipated timeline of test file submission activities.
| Activity |
Estimated Date(s) |
| Test window for vendors to submit test XML data files |
7/27/2026 - 8/10/2026 |
|
HHCAHPS data submission tools unavailable to review test files and ready the live tools.
IMPORTANT: During this time, all test files and their data will be deleted from the system.
|
8/11/2026 - 8/30/2026 |
| Data submission tools re-open to accept live data for Quarter 2, 2026 |
8/31/2026 |
Please follow the guidance below for preparing and submitting your text XML files:
- We strongly recommend submitting as early as possible, to leave sufficient time to resolve any issues.
- Use the updated XML data file layouts available on the Data Submission Resources webpage on the HHCAHPS website, under the “Updated Files” header.
- Adhere to the content guidelines for the XML data files:
- Include 100 test cases – 50 completes, 20 breakoffs, and 30 non-interview (ex: refusal, deceased, bad address, no response after max attempts, etc.).
- Use April, May or June 2026 for the Sample Month and Sample Year fields.
- There are no restrictions on other variables (e.g., survey mode, proxy, survey language).
- Use dummy data (i.e., vendors should NOT use live patient data as the test files will be deleted).
- Include “TEST” in the file name.
As part of this exercise, if your team receives a data validation error after submitting the revised XML data file, please address the error(s) and resubmit until there are no more remaining validation errors. Vendors should make note of the error(s) received and make any necessary corrections to their XML file generation system, process and/or quality control checks. If you receive a validation error that you are unable to correct, please reach out to the HHCAHPS Survey Coordination Team with details about the error so that we may assist you.
If you have questions, please contact the HHCAHPS Survey Coordination Team via email at hhcahps@rti.org or call toll-free at (866) 354-0985.