Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program Resulting in Cockroach Presence
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of live cockroaches in a resident-accessible hallway near the kitchen. During an observation with the DON, a live cockroach was seen crawling on the wall in an area regularly used by residents to access the dining room and activity area. The DON acknowledged that the presence of cockroaches in this location created the potential for unsanitary conditions and the spread of pests into food preparation and resident living spaces. The facility's pest control company was reported to provide monthly services, and the maintenance supervisor was responsible for follow-up on pest issues. A review of pest control service invoices showed that weekly services were primarily focused on the kitchen, and pest sightings in the hallway had not been addressed because these areas were not prioritized. The maintenance supervisor could not provide information on the facility's efforts to implement pest control recommendations or ensure elimination of cockroaches. The administrator confirmed that while routine pest control services were conducted, there was no documentation that specific problem areas, such as the main hallway near the kitchen, were evaluated or treated. The facility's policy required maintaining an environment free of pests and rodents.