Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with diagnoses including cerebral infarction, muscle weakness, dysphagia, and anxiety was not provided with a pest-free environment. The resident, who was dependent on staff for dressing and transfers and had intact cognition, reported experiencing a 'swarm of flying ants' coming from the ceiling near her window. The insects were observed in the resident's room by staff, and the resident was subsequently moved to another room. The presence of 10 to 20 winged black insects was confirmed by observation in the resident's previous room, and the issue was not present the day before the incident. Interviews with the resident, her family representative, and staff confirmed the presence of the insects and the impact on the resident, who was unable to remove the insects herself due to physical weakness. The family representative expressed concern that the facility did not manage the pest issue in a timely manner. The Maintenance Director acknowledged awareness of the pest problem and stated that pest control had been contacted, but extermination had not occurred by the time of the survey. The deficiency was cited under the requirement to maintain an effective pest control program to ensure the facility is free of pests and rodents.
Plan Of Correction
F925 The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program when insects were observed in room B23 requiring that resident #11 be moved to another room on 6/2/25 at which time pest control was contacted. As of 6/5/25 pest control still had not arrived to exterminate. Step 1: The facility SSD and DOM immediately moved resident #11 from room B23 to room B21 on 6/2/25. The DOM called pest control initially on 6/1/25 and again on 6/9/25. The facility DOM checked all other rooms on 6/2/25 with no negative findings. Resident #11 was assessed by facility LPN on 6/1/25 and 6/3/25 with no negative effects. Step 2: This has the potential to affect all residents. Pest control reports they are scheduled to treat the facility on 7/2/25. Completed on 7/3/25. Step 3: To prevent this from reoccurring, the LNHA will educate current staff on reporting any pest control needs when observed. Completed on 7/11/25. Step 4: To maintain ongoing monitoring and compliance, the LNHA or designee will audit 5 random resident rooms for signs of pests weekly for 4 weeks, then monthly for 2 months. Audits begin 7/14/25. The results of the audits will be forwarded to the facility QAPI committee for further review and recommendations.