Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in multiple resident rooms being infested with cockroaches and spiders. Observations by surveyors revealed live and dead cockroaches in several rooms, including instances where cockroaches were seen running across furniture, breakfast trays, and restroom sinks. Spiders, both live and dead, were also found in resident rooms. Residents expressed distress about the presence of pests, with one resident stating that the cockroaches made her feel terrible and another reporting roaches on her breakfast tray. Staff interviews confirmed that pests were seen occasionally, with sightings of flies and cockroaches occurring a couple of times a month. The facility maintained a pest control log and had a contract with a pest control company to spray monthly and as needed, with additional treatments in certain months. Staff were instructed to report pest sightings in a binder at the nurses' station, and plastic containers were provided to residents who kept food in their rooms to help limit pest issues. Despite these measures, maintenance records and pest control logs documented ongoing reports of roaches in specific rooms over the preceding months. The facility's policy required maintaining an effective pest control program to keep the building free of insects and rodents, but observations and records indicated that this standard was not met for several residents.