The same 3 deficiencies are plaguing SNFs—and they’re costly. Here's how to address F880, F812 & F761 before surveyors cite you.
As of June 2025, Polaris Group consultants identified that the same three deficiencies continue to dominate long-term care survey results across the country—F880 (Infection Prevention & Control), F812 (Food Storage & Sanitation), and F761 (Labeling and Storing Medications). These repeat offenders aren’t just frequent; they’re costly, both in fines and in potential harm to residents. Their persistence signals systemic breakdowns in daily routines and oversight that, if unaddressed, can lead to citation stacking, Immediate Jeopardy tags, and reputational damage. Fixing these areas isn’t just about compliance; it’s about restoring trust, protecting residents, and reinforcing staff accountability in the foundational practices of care.
F880 - Infection Prevention & Control
Common Issues Cited:
- Hand hygiene & glove use: Staff failing to perform hand hygiene after glove removal or entering/exiting rooms.
- Improper PPE donning/doffing: Misuse or inconsistent use of gowns, masks, and face shields.
- Linen transport & surface cleaning: Soiled linens carried openly; shared equipment not sanitized.
- Infection control surveillance: Gaps in documentation, IPCP updates, residents not offered hand hygiene prior to meal service.
Examples from Surveys:
- Staff performed cares for residents in EBP and failed to wear gown.
- Inadequate signage or isolation protocols; failure to cohort residents appropriately.
- Personal beverages noted on med carts, treatment carts, and at nurses' stations.
How to Address Deficiencies:
- Conduct regular audits on hand hygiene and PPE use related to EBP.
- Educate all staff regarding protocols for EBP, including signage and action required.
- Schedule competency checks and skills fairs that focus on Infection Control and Prevention
F812 - Food Procurement, Storage, Preparation & Service – Sanitary
Common Issues Cited:
- Temperature control & labeling: Missing thaw/open dates, undated foods.
- Sanitation lapses: Dirty prep areas and equipment.
- Snack & potluck handling: Leftovers mishandled, unlabeled.
- Food noted in steam table three plus hours.
Examples from Surveys:
- Milk cartons stored without manufacturer time/temperature verification.
- Undated sliced cheese and repackaged bulk produce with no labeling.
- Resident refrigerators noted with employee-labeled items.
How to Address Deficiencies:
- Implement strict dating procedures and temperature logs.
- Deepen cleaning schedules and equipment checks.
- Verify and document food vendors.
- Manage visitors' food and leftovers carefully.
F761 - Label/Store Drugs & Biologicals
Common Issues Cited:
- Labeling: Missing expiration dates, mislabeling, handwritten label changes.
- Storage security: Medications in unlocked areas, Schedule II meds not double locked.
- Environmental controls: Fridges with no temperature logs; dirty medication rooms.
- Controlled substances: Improper disposal, missing logs, inadequate reconciliation.
Examples from Surveys:
- Insulin stored improperly with no thermometer in the fridge.
- Multi-dose vials undated and fentanyl patches disposed in sharps containers.
- Medication carts left unattended and unlocked.
How to Address Deficiencies:
- Enforce strict labeling and expiration standards.
- Lock all medication storage areas at all times.
- Monitor fridge temps daily and document consistently.
- Track and document narcotics properly, including disposal and counts.
Addressing these persistent deficiencies requires a proactive, comprehensive approach that engages every level of the care team from leadership to frontline staff. Consistent training, vigilant monitoring, and a culture of accountability are essential to not only pass surveys but to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. By focusing on these top repeat offenders, facilities can reduce fines, avoid costly citations, and most importantly, deliver higher-quality care.
To stay ahead of surveyors and safeguard your community, schedule a Polaris Mock Survey today—an essential step toward continuous improvement and compliance confidence.
Sources
CMS Compliance Group: Top 10 F-Tags (April 2025)
CMS State Operations Manual, Chapter 7: Survey and Enforcement Process
Polaris Group LTC Compliance Resources
