Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of live pests in multiple areas. Observations revealed live gnats in the shower room on Hall C and on a towel placed on a resident's abdomen in Room D11, with additional gnats circling around the resident. The gnats remained undisturbed even when the towel was removed and discarded. Further observations identified gnats flying in the Hall C shower room and a cockroach running across the counter at the C & D Hall nursing station, which was killed by an RN. Staff interviews confirmed awareness of the pest issue, and pest control records indicated that the most recent treatment focused on the kitchen area, not the affected locations. The facility's pest control policy states that an ongoing program is maintained to keep the building free of insects and rodents. However, the presence of gnats and cockroaches in resident care and staff areas demonstrates a failure to implement the policy effectively. The deficiency was identified through direct observation, staff interviews, and review of pest control service records, which did not reflect comprehensive or recent treatment of the problem areas.