Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, as evidenced by the presence of gnats and other bugs in multiple resident rooms, hallways, the kitchen/dining area, conference room, and staff restrooms. Direct observations by surveyors noted many gnats in specific resident rooms and common areas, with reports of gnats flying into faces and landing on clothing. Multiple residents, all documented as cognitively intact, reported seeing gnats and bugs in their rooms, hallways, and around food, with some expressing discomfort and distress due to the persistent presence of pests. One resident stated that the issue had been ongoing since their admission. Staff interviews confirmed the ongoing presence of gnats throughout the facility, with housekeeping and nursing staff acknowledging the problem and attributing it to a specific resident or recent admissions. The administrator admitted uncertainty about how to address the gnats and stated the issue had persisted for approximately one week. Despite the facility's updated pest control policy requiring an effective program to keep the building free of insects and rodents, the observations and interviews indicate that the policy was not effectively implemented, resulting in a failure to control the pest issue for all residents reviewed.