F-Tags are regulatory requirements that CMS surveyors use to evaluate skilled nursing facility compliance. Understanding these tags is essential for maintaining survey readiness.
Critical F-Tags Every SNF Should Know
F689 — Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices
Requires facilities to ensure the environment is free from accident hazards and provide adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Key Focus: Fall prevention, environmental safety, supervision protocols
F684 — Quality of Care
Requires facilities to provide care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
Key Focus: Pressure injury prevention, wound care, clinical outcomes
F880 — Infection Prevention & Control
Requires facilities to establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe environment.
Key Focus: Infection surveillance, antibiotic stewardship, isolation protocols
F758 — Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Medications
Requires that residents not receive unnecessary psychotropic medications and that appropriate documentation supports any use.
Key Focus: Diagnosis documentation, GDR consideration, review timelines
How QAPIShield Supports F-Tag Compliance
QAPIShield provides targeted support for each high-risk F-Tag area:
- Fall risk tracking and intervention documentation (F689)
- Pressure injury risk assessment and care planning (F684)
- Infection risk monitoring and surveillance (F880)
- Psychotropic medication oversight and GDR tracking (F758)
