Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of roaches and water bugs in resident rooms, the dining area, and other parts of the building. Multiple residents, all with intact or moderately impaired cognition, reported seeing roaches and water bugs in their rooms and common areas, particularly around the dining room coffee area and in bathrooms. These sightings were reported to various staff members, including housekeepers, CNAs, and nurses, who acknowledged the complaints and stated they would report the issues. Staff interviews confirmed the ongoing presence of pests, with CNAs and housekeepers observing roaches in shower rooms and on the unit, and reporting these verbally to the Maintenance Director. However, the required documentation in the pest control binders was not completed by staff, as confirmed by both the Maintenance Director and a review of the binders, which showed no staff entries regarding pest sightings. The Maintenance Director stated that staff were instructed to document pest sightings, but instead relied on verbal reports, leading to a lack of written records. The pest control technician confirmed that the facility was being treated twice a month and identified American roaches and water bugs coming from plumbing areas, as well as German roaches in the kitchen, which were nearly resolved. Despite these treatments, residents and staff continued to observe pests. The facility's policy required an effective pest control program, but the lack of consistent documentation and ongoing pest sightings indicated the program was not effectively implemented.