Key federal references for long-term care survey, certification, and enforcement—the CMS State Operations Manual materials we use most when helping providers respond.
These are the CMS State Operations Manual (SOM) resources we rely on most when helping facilities respond to a CMS 2567, prepare Plans of Correction, pursue Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR), or address an immediate jeopardy finding.
Bookmark this page for quick access. For situation-specific guidance—including Nursing Home Compare ratings, SFF (Special Focus Facilities and those on the Candidate list), and CMS appeals—contact Jacobson PLLC.
Appendix I — Life Safety Code
SOM Appendix I—the Life Safety Code (LSC) guidance surveyors use to assess fire safety and building requirements in nursing facilities and other certified providers.
Appendix PP
Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities—the interpretive guidance and F-Tags surveyors apply during nursing facility surveys.
Appendix Q
Guidance for identifying and citing Immediate Jeopardy, including the triggers and core process surveyors follow.
Appendix Z
Emergency Preparedness guidance for all provider and certified supplier types, including the standards reviewed on survey.
Chapter 7
Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities, including remedies, Plans of Correction, and Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR).
Immediate Jeopardy Template
The template used to document and communicate an immediate jeopardy determination—useful when Responding to immediate jeopardy allegations.
List of revised F-Tags
Crosswalk of the revised F-Tags used in long-term care surveys and on the CMS 2567 statement of deficiencies.
Scope and Severity Grid
The matrix CMS uses to assign scope and severity to deficiencies—driving enforcement remedies and civil monetary penalties.
CMS Nursing Homes (Laws & Regulations)
CMS's central hub for nursing home laws, regulations, and survey guidance—the starting point for the State Operations Manual, QSO memos, and enforcement policy.
Need help applying these to your facility?
From CMS 2567 responses and Plans of Correction to RUG audits, SMRC/UPIC/ZPIC/RAC reviews, and CMS appeals, we help SNF, ALF, Hospice, Home Health, and other HCSSA practices respond with confidence.