Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, as evidenced by the presence of flying insects in multiple areas including conference rooms, hallways, resident rooms, and dining areas across all floors. Observations during the survey revealed uncovered food trays left out in dining rooms and on carts, which attracted flying insects. The main elevator was also found to have multiple dead insects inside the ceiling light cover. In one instance, a resident was identified with maggots in a wound just prior to the survey. During an interview, a resident's legal guardian confirmed the ongoing issue with flying insects in the resident's room and noted that staff had provided a vinegar gnat bait but had not followed up on its effectiveness. The legal guardian also reported that food was often left out too long before being cleared, contributing to the pest problem. Review of facility records showed a lack of routine pest control services, with the most recent documented visit occurring several months prior to the survey and no detailed findings provided. Documentation for subsequent months was either missing or outdated. Staff interviews revealed confusion regarding responsibility for pest control, with the Maintenance Director unaware of any concerns and not involved in monitoring pest issues. The facility was unable to provide documentation of staff reporting pest concerns or evidence of ongoing pest control measures, despite a policy requiring an effective pest control program and a reporting system for issues arising between scheduled pest service visits.