Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program as required by its own policy and state regulations. Observations in the Main Kitchen revealed mouse droppings and mouse traps in the kitchen storage area, as well as an open box of brown sugar with mouse droppings on top and tortilla shells that had to be discarded due to mice eating through the packaging. The Assistant Kitchen Manager confirmed ongoing concerns with mice in the Main Kitchen and reported keeping a detailed list of food that needed to be discarded and replaced due to pest contamination. Additionally, multiple mouse traps were observed in resident rooms on several nursing unit floors, and a resident reported that while the mouse problem had improved, mice were still seen running around. Review of pest control records showed repeated findings of bait being eaten and mice being caught in glue traps in various areas of the facility, including the kitchen, dining rooms, breakrooms, and resident areas, over several weeks. Despite regular inspections and interventions by pest control, evidence of active pest infestation persisted. The Nursing Home Administrator and Director of Nursing confirmed that the facility had not maintained an effective pest control program, resulting in the continued presence of pests in the facility.