Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program as required by its own policy, which specifies regular inspection, reporting, and prevention of pest infestations. During an initial tour, surveyors observed two brown bugs crawling up the wall in an occupied resident bathroom. Staff present acknowledged the ongoing presence of pests, with a CNA stating that bugs are seen everywhere and that spraying has not resolved the issue. Multiple residents reported frequent sightings of roaches, including one who described seeing roaches nightly and another who requested a transfer due to the infestation. Staff interviews further confirmed the widespread nature of the problem, with reports of bugs in resident drawers and emerging from air-conditioning units. Review of the facility's pest sighting logs revealed repeated reports of roaches and ants across all nursing units over several months, including sightings in resident rooms, staff breakrooms, and common areas. Pest control service logs indicated treatments were performed, but also documented ongoing issues such as rodent droppings and bed bug treatments. Despite regular pest control visits, staff and maintenance personnel reported that infestations persisted and that immediate action was limited by the availability of pest control services and lack of on-site resources. The facility's failure to effectively address and resolve these pest issues resulted in an environment that was not free from pests for at least two residents.