Every certified nursing home gets a Life Safety Code survey, and CMS publishes every citation. We counted all 137,397 fire safety (K-tag) citations issued to U.S. nursing homes from September 2023 to August 2026 to see which requirements trip facilities up most. If you're building a survey-prep checklist, start here.
The 15 Most-Cited Life Safety Code Tags
| # | K-tag | Requirement (CMS description) | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K353 | Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems. | 11,560 |
| 2 | K918 | Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. | 7,918 |
| 3 | K345 | Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems. | 6,390 |
| 4 | K363 | Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke. | 5,971 |
| 5 | K321 | Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system. | 5,864 |
| 6 | K712 | Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times. | 5,850 |
| 7 | K324 | Provide properly protected cooking facilities. | 5,393 |
| 8 | K920 | Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords. | 5,299 |
| 9 | K511 | Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment. | 4,036 |
| 10 | K372 | Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating. | 3,995 |
| 11 | K211 | Keep aisles, corridors, and exits free of obstruction in case of emergency. | 3,545 |
| 12 | K923 | Have proper medical gas storage and administration areas. | 3,460 |
| 13 | K222 | Add doors in an exit area that do not require the use of a key from the exit side unless in case of special locking arrangements. | 3,358 |
| 14 | K355 | Properly select, install, inspect, or maintain portable fire extinguishes. | 3,304 |
| 15 | K521 | Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. | 3,126 |
What to Check for Each of the Top 10
1. K353: Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems
11,560 citations. Keep quarterly/annual sprinkler inspection reports on file, fix impairments promptly, and keep 18 inches of clearance below sprinkler heads.
2. K918: Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds
7,918 citations. Run and document monthly generator load tests and the required annual/triennial tests; keep transfer-time records.
3. K345: Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems
6,390 citations. Keep current fire alarm inspection and testing reports from a qualified vendor, including device-by-device results.
4. K363: Install corridor and hallway doors that block smoke
5,971 citations. Check that corridor doors latch and close fully, with no wedges, kick-down stops or gaps.
5. K321: Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system
5,864 citations. Keep hazardous-area doors (soiled linen, storage) self-closing and latching; seal penetrations.
6. K712: Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times
5,850 citations. Hold fire drills quarterly on each shift at varied, unexpected times, and document each one.
7. K324: Provide properly protected cooking facilities
5,393 citations. Keep kitchen hood suppression inspections current and the K-class extinguisher in place.
8. K920: Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords
5,299 citations. Use the right UL-listed power strips, no daisy-chaining and no extension cords as permanent wiring. See our power strip guide.
9. K511: Have properly installed electrical wiring and gas equipment
4,036 citations. Keep electrical panels clear, covers on, and junction boxes closed; fix exposed wiring right away.
10. K372: Ensure smoke barriers are constructed to a 1 hour fire resistance rating
3,995 citations. Seal penetrations in smoke barrier walls, especially after cabling or plumbing work.
Free tool: Look up any nursing home to see its electrical citations and when its next survey is likely.
Where Electrical Equipment Fits
Power strips and extension cords (K920) made the top ten on their own. Add bedside receptacles (K914) and electrical equipment testing (K921), and electrical issues reached 43.7% of nursing homes over the period. See the electrical citations report for state-by-state numbers, and read our overview of Life Safety Code requirements for nursing homes.
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, Nursing Homes: Fire Safety Deficiencies and Provider Information (data processed September 2026). Survey dates September 1, 2023 to August 20, 2026.
Ready to take electrical equipment off your citation list?
Get a Free PCREE Quote →Free: Power Strip & Extension Cord Audit Sheet
A room-by-room walk-through sheet for K920, the most-cited electrical tag in nursing homes.
Instant download. We never share or sell your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
PCREE Test Editorial Team
Content reviewed by biomedical professionals with experience in patient care electrical equipment testing, NFPA 99 compliance, and CMS Life Safety survey preparation for skilled nursing facilities.