Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Resulting in Ants in Resident's Room
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in a resident's room not being free from ants. The resident, a cognitively intact female with significant mobility limitations and dependent on staff for transfers and bed mobility, was found with ants in her bed and on her body. Staff observed ants on the resident's nightstand, bed rail, and bed, and noted that the resident had snacks in her room. The presence of ants was first reported on the facility's insect report sheet, and staff interviews confirmed that ants were seen on and around the resident during care. Nursing notes documented that the resident was found with medium bleeding from the perineal area and ants present on her bed and thigh. The resident was subsequently sent to the hospital, where EMS reported that she had been lying in a bed covered with ants. Hospital records indicated blood in the resident's urine and stool, and family members reported that the resident stated she had been bitten by ants. Observations at the hospital revealed small red areas on the resident's hand that could have been ant bites, although no definitive bites were confirmed by staff. Facility records showed that pest control services were provided monthly, and the pest control technician responded after the incident, finding one dead ant and placing bait in the room. Staff interviews indicated that the room was cleaned and sprayed after the resident was sent to the hospital, and that the presence of snacks may have contributed to the ant activity. Despite regular pest control measures, the facility did not prevent the occurrence of ants in the resident's room, leading to the deficiency.