Tag Number
Definition: The specific regulatory reference number (F-Tag for health citations, K-Tag for Life Safety Code citations) assigned to each requirement in the federal regulations. Used to precisely identify which requirement a facility has failed to meet.
In Practice
Understanding tag numbers is essential for compliance work. Each tag maps to a specific section of 42 CFR Part 483 (health) or NFPA 101 (fire safety). The tag number determines the regulatory text, interpretive guidance, and investigation protocol the surveyor uses.