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, which states that the building should be kept free of insects and rodents through an ongoing pest control program. Record review and interviews revealed that several residents reported the presence of roaches, water bugs, gnats, and other pests in their rooms and common areas, such as bathrooms and shower rooms. Resident Council Minutes documented multiple complaints about pest infestations, with the facility's stated response being to schedule monthly exterminator visits. However, pest control logs showed inconsistent service, with significant gaps between treatments and no evidence of monthly extermination as promised. Multiple residents, most of whom had intact cognition as indicated by their BIMS scores, described frequent sightings of pests in their rooms and throughout the facility. Some residents attributed the pest issues to factors such as trash bins being kept in hallways and food being left on the floor. One resident reported being so disturbed by the pests that a family member had to spray the room for bugs to allow her to sleep. The facility's pest control records confirmed pest activity during service visits, but did not demonstrate a consistent or effective approach to pest management, leading to ongoing resident complaints and observations of pests in living areas.