Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of gnats, roaches, and bed bugs in multiple areas, including resident rooms and restrooms. Observations included a half-eaten sandwich left unwrapped on an overbed table, which attracted gnats, and sightings of roaches crawling across the floor in a resident room. The pest control log documented repeated sightings of roaches, gnats, and other bugs throughout the facility over several months, with no evidence of follow-up services after these incidents. A resident with multiple medical conditions, including dementia, anxiety, depression, and chronic diseases, was found to have bed bugs in personal belongings and bed linens. The resident exhibited clusters of red, raised bumps with some skin breakdown due to scratching, as observed during a skin assessment. The care plan for this resident noted behavioral symptoms of hoarding, which complicated maintaining a safe and tidy living space. Staff discovered bed bugs crawling out of the resident's bible at the nurse station and further inspection revealed additional bed bugs in the resident's purse and linens. Interviews with staff confirmed awareness of ongoing pest issues, with documentation of pest sightings and communication to administration. The facility's pest control policy required ongoing pest management and regular contracted services, but records showed only monthly service visits and no documented follow-up after pest sightings. The pest control contract outlined responsibilities for monitoring, treating, and reporting pest issues, but the facility did not ensure the environment was free from pests, as evidenced by continued sightings and infestations.