CMS F-tag

F887: Infection control

COVID-19 vaccination must be offered and documented for residents and staff. Cited 1,158 times at 1,076 nursing homes in the last three inspection cycles.

#73 of 242 tags0% caused harm51 statesLatest survey Jan 16, 2026

How F887 shows up in inspections

F-TAGF887#73 of 242 tagsOccasionally cited

How serious it usually is

  • Immediate jeopardyJ–L0%0
  • Actual harmG0.3%3
  • No actual harmD · E · F99.3%1,150
  • Minimal harmB · C0.4%5

0% of F887 citations involved actual harm or immediate jeopardy. Nationally, about 5% of all citations do.

By the numbers

  • 1,158Citations
  • 1,076Facilities cited7% of rated nursing homes

Citations by survey year

  • 202124
  • 2022145
  • 2023286
  • 2024351
  • 2025349
  • 20263

Partial years reflect the rolling three-cycle window, not a change in enforcement.

Where F887 is cited most

Survey agencies differ in what they emphasize, so compare a facility with its own state. Shares are the portion of each state’s rated nursing homes with at least one F887 citation.

States by share of facilities cited

  • California11% of homes145 citations · 128 of 1,154 facilities
  • Illinois12% of homes85 citations · 81 of 665 facilities
  • Michigan15% of homes70 citations · 63 of 420 facilities
  • Ohio7% of homes64 citations · 63 of 911 facilities
  • Massachusetts15% of homes59 citations · 52 of 338 facilities
  • Virginia18% of homes57 citations · 52 of 285 facilities
  • Washington24% of homes55 citations · 46 of 192 facilities
  • Wisconsin13% of homes47 citations · 43 of 321 facilities
  • Pennsylvania6% of homes46 citations · 42 of 653 facilities
  • Missouri7% of homes37 citations · 35 of 479 facilities

Top 10 of 51 states. Every state page lists its most-cited tags.

Facilities cited most often

  1. Belmont TerraceBremerton, WA · Report card4 F887No harm
  2. Anaheim Healthcare Center, LLCAnaheim, CA · Report card3 F887No harm
  3. Ayer Valley Rehab and NursingAyer, MA · Report card3 F887No harm
  4. Capitol City Rehab and Healthcare CenterWashington, DC · Report card3 F887No harm
  5. Pinnacle Care of Battle CreekBattle Creek, MI · Report card3 F887No harm
  6. Anaheim Terrace Care CenterAnaheim, CA · Report card2 F887No harm
  7. Antelope Valley Care CenterLancaster, CA · Report card2 F887No harm
  8. Apple Rehab West HavenWest Haven, CT · Report card2 F887No harm
  9. Avamere at Pacific RidgeTacoma, WA · Report card2 F887No harm
  10. Aviata at SarasotaSarasota, FL · Report card2 F887No harm
  11. Birch Creek Post Acute & RehabilitationTacoma, WA · Report card2 F887No harm
  12. Blaire House of MilfordMilford, MA · Report card2 F887No harm
  13. Blue Oak Post-AcuteSanta Rosa, CA · Report card2 F887No harm
  14. Brent B Tinnin ManorEllington, MO · Report card2 F887No harm
  15. Bridgewood Health Care CenterKansas City, MO · Report card2 F887No harm

What to ask a facility about a F887 citation

  1. What exactly did the surveyor find, and on what date? The report card shows the date and the severity letter.
  2. What was the plan of correction, and was it accepted by the state on the first submission?
  3. Has the same tag been cited in more than one cycle? Repeat citations matter more than a single one.
  4. If the letter was G or higher: what happened to the resident, and what changed in staffing or process?

Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, Nursing Home Health Citations, current three inspection cycles, most recent survey Jan 16, 2026. Counts are citations unless labeled facilities.

Frequently asked questions

What is F887 in a nursing home inspection?
F887 is the CMS F-tag for the requirement "Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status." (Infection control). Surveyors cite it when a facility is found out of compliance with that regulation during a standard survey or complaint investigation.
How common is F887?
F887 was cited 1,158 times at 1,076 facilities (7% of rated nursing homes) in the last three inspection cycles, ranking #73 of 242 tags. 3 of those citations involved actual harm or immediate jeopardy.
Does a F887 citation mean the facility is unsafe?
Not on its own. Read the scope and severity letter: D through F means no actual harm was found, G through I means a resident was harmed, and J through L means immediate jeopardy. Ask the facility what was cited, what was corrected, and when.

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