Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, as evidenced by multiple observations and reports of pest activity. The pest control contract, which began in May 2024, covered mice, ants, roaches, and stinging insects but excluded bed bugs, termites, and wildlife. Despite the contract stipulating bi-monthly services, pest control logs and observations indicated persistent pest issues, including roaches and other bugs in various rooms and common areas. Interviews and observations revealed that residents and their emergency contacts frequently reported sightings of bugs, particularly in bathrooms and living areas. Specific rooms were noted for having clutter and poor sanitation, which were identified as contributing factors to increased pest activity. For instance, one resident's room was cluttered with food items and had a soiled floor, while another room had flying bugs and debris under the radiator. Additionally, a room was found with numerous deceased roaches in a mouse trap, and residents reported frequent sightings of roaches. The facility's pest control logs documented several instances of pest sightings, yet there was no evidence that recommendations from the pest control company were implemented to address these issues. Interviews with facility management, including the Regional Nurse, NHA, and DON, confirmed that the recommendations from the pest control company were not acted upon, leading to ongoing pest problems in the facility.
Plan Of Correction
Room 221, 225, and 316 clutter has been removed, trash and debris was cleaned from under the heating unit, and rooms deep cleaned. Recommendations from December pest control visits have been completed. An initial audit was conducted of resident rooms to ensure trash and debris was removed if found under the heating unit. All resident rooms are maintained on a deep cleaning schedule. NHA will re-educate the Maintenance department to ensure recommendations/comments made during pest control visits have been addressed. Housekeeping Director and/or designee will re-educate the housekeeping department to ensure that trash and debris under a heating unit is removed. A biweekly audit will be conducted of the pest control logbook for 3 months to verify recommendations/comments made during pest control visits have been addressed as an effort to achieve a pest-free environment. Results of the monthly audit will be reviewed in subsequent QAPI for recommendations.