Pest Control Deficiency in Facility
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of pests in multiple areas, including two nursing units, the food and nutrition services department, and the laundry room. Observations and interviews revealed that residents and staff had encountered mice and flies, with specific incidents such as a resident observing mice in her room and another resident finding candy with mice teeth marks. The maintenance log did not record these incidents, indicating a lack of proper documentation and response to pest sightings. Further investigation showed structural issues that facilitated pest entry, such as a large hole in the laundry room floor and gaps in the metal doors leading outside. The pest control policy outlined measures to prevent pest entry, but these were not effectively implemented. Staff interviews revealed a lack of training and awareness regarding the pest control logbook, with some employees using informal methods like sticky notes to document pest sightings, which were not transferred to the official logbook. The pest control operator's reports from previous months consistently highlighted the need for thorough cleaning and maintenance in the main kitchen, where pest droppings and food debris were found. Despite ongoing treatments for pests, the same issues persisted, such as unsealed food containers, improper waste disposal, and water left in sinks, providing sustenance for pests. These findings indicate systemic failures in the facility's pest control management, contributing to the ongoing pest problem.
Plan Of Correction
1. Gaps on the doors and holes in the dietary director's office were fixed. 2. Our pest control will do a house audit on our pest control to ensure compliance. 3. Staff will be educated on effective pest control measures. 4. Pest logs will be audited 1x week for 1 month, 2x a month for one month and then 1x a month for 1 month. 5. The findings will be reported to QAPI x6 months.