# F-tag

> An F-tag is a code CMS uses to cite nursing home survey findings, like F689 for accidents. Each tag links to a rule in 42 CFR Part 483.

Source: https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/f-tag · Updated Oct 5, 2026

Also known as: F tag, data tag, federal tag

## What an F-tag is

Each rule cited on a survey report has a letter and a number. For long-term care the letter is F. Appendix PP gives each tag its rule text, intent, definitions and survey guidance. Life Safety Code findings use K-tags.

| Tag | Topic |
| --- | --- |
| F600 | Freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitation |
| F609 and F610 | Reporting alleged violations and responding to them |
| F686 | Pressure ulcers (pressure injuries) |
| F689 | Accidents: a hazard-free setting, enough supervision and devices |
| F759 and F760 | Medication error rates of 5 percent or more; significant medication errors |
| F865, F867, F868 | QAPI program, QAPI improvement work, QAA committee |
| F880 | Infection prevention and control |

## How tags are used

Surveyors cite tags on [Form CMS-2567](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/cms-2567) and score each for scope and severity. The facility answers each tag in its [plan of correction](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/plan-of-correction). One event can touch several tags. A fall with injury may involve F689. A pressure injury may involve F686.

Mix-up: tag numbers belong to the long-term care survey. Other provider types are cited under their own rules. A surgery center is cited under 42 CFR Part 416.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the F in F-tag stand for?

CMS's letter for long-term care rules in the survey tag series. The letter and number name the exact rule, like F689 for 42 CFR 483.25(d), accidents.

### Do hospitals and surgery centers have F-tags?

No. F-tags belong to the nursing home survey. Other provider types are cited under their own rules, such as 42 CFR Part 416 for surgery centers.

### Where can I read the guidance behind an F-tag?

In State Operations Manual Appendix PP: the rule, intent, definitions and survey steps for each tag. CMS revises it, so check dates.

## Sources

- [CMS State Operations Manual, Appendix PP: Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities](https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf)
- [CMS State Operations Manual, Chapter 2: The Certification Process](https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107c02.pdf)
- [CMS State Operations Manual, Chapter 7: Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities](https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107c07pdf.pdf)
- [42 CFR 483.75: Nursing home QAPI](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/section-483.75)

## Related terms

- [Deficiency](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/deficiency)
- [CMS-2567](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/cms-2567)
- [Plan of correction](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/plan-of-correction)
- [Immediate jeopardy](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/immediate-jeopardy)
- [QAA committee](https://incidentkit.ai/glossary/qaa-committee)

## Related

- [F689 accidents and supervision: falls, hazards, devices](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f689)
- [F600 free from abuse and neglect: what surveyors cite](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f600)
- [F609 reporting alleged violations: 2-hour and 24-hour rules](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f609)
- [F610 investigate, prevent and correct alleged violations](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f610)
- [F684 quality of care: what it covers and how it is cited](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f684)
- [F760 significant medication errors: how surveyors cite it](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f760)
- [F880 infection prevention and control: survey guide](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/f-tags/f880)
- [Nursing home recertification survey: process and prep](https://incidentkit.ai/compliance/survey-readiness/snf-recertification-survey)