The Public Comment is now open through March 25, 2026 on the Draft 2027 CMS QRDA I Implementation Guide, Schematron, and Sample File for Hospital Quality Reporting
There are no formatting conventions specific to the QDM, eCQM developers should review the QDM for specific guidance on using the datatypes and attributes in the conceptual model. However, there is information on conventions for formatting statements and expressions in CQL, which encourage consistency, readability, maintainability, and reusability of the resulting CQL. Find these conventions on the CQL Formatting and Usage Wiki. Additionally, CMS annually publishes a QDM-based CQL Style Guide, based on the Formatting and Usage Wiki contents. That Style Guide focuses on a set of common best practices implemented across CQL-based eCQMs in the CMS reporting programs and also promotes the use of consistent language within the framework of CQL, including libraries, aliases, definitions, functions, and conventions. eCQM stewards or eCQM developers who are developing or specifying eCQMs for future inclusion in CMS programs should align with these best practices.