Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program Resulting in Cockroach Infestation
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of live cockroaches in multiple areas, including one resident room, a community bathroom, and the activity room. Observations over several days revealed live roaches running in a resident's room, in the community bathroom adjacent to the activity room, and by the water dispenser in the activity room. Multiple live roaches were also seen in the community bathroom, with some moving into the hallway. Review of the pest control log indicated ongoing issues, with repeated treatments for American roaches in various locations, including staff restrooms, nurses' stations, and resident rooms. Interviews with residents and staff confirmed the persistent presence of roaches, particularly in the bathroom next to the activity room, despite regular pest control treatments. Staff noted that the problem persisted regardless of the frequency of treatments, and the administrator acknowledged ongoing difficulties in controlling the infestation, attributing some of the challenges to residents storing food in their rooms and housekeeping not maintaining cleanliness. The facility's policy requires an effective pest control program, but the observed and reported conditions indicate that the program was not successful in eradicating or containing the pest problem.