Rodent Activity and Food Storage Deficiency
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain acceptable practices for the storage and service of food, resulting in evidence of rodent activity in multiple areas of the kitchen and main dining room. Observations revealed over 50 mouse-like droppings on the floor underneath a cabinet in the main dining room, as well as additional droppings in the dry storage area under metal storage racks and in the meal preparation area near a wall crevice. These findings were directly observed by surveyors and confirmed by the Nursing Home Administrator, who acknowledged the facility's responsibility to prevent contamination, including rodent activity. A review of facility-provided documents showed that an external pest management company serviced the building about once a month, but their invoices from December 2024 through May 2025 did not report any rodent activity. Despite these regular services, active signs of mouse presence were found during the survey, indicating a lapse in effective monitoring and control of pests within food storage and preparation areas. No specific residents or patient medical histories were mentioned in relation to this deficiency.