Failure to Implement Effective Pest Control Measures
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement and maintain an effective pest control program as required by its own policy and as recommended by the pest control technician. Multiple pest control service invoices over several months documented repeated findings of rodent activity both inside and outside the building, including in resident rooms, the medication room, and common areas. The pest control technician consistently identified structural deficiencies such as holes in resident rooms, gaps under exterior doors, misaligned door frames, and cracks in walls and floors, all of which created potential entry points for rodents. Despite these findings, the facility did not address the technician's recommendations, such as sealing holes, repairing doors, and moving dumpsters further from the building. Observations during an environmental tour confirmed the presence of numerous unsealed holes and cracks in resident rooms, hallways, and exterior areas. Mouse droppings, glue traps, and direct sightings of mice were noted in several resident rooms and common areas. Residents reported frequent encounters with mice, including mice running in rooms, being caught in traps, and eating through personal food items. Staff interviews corroborated these observations, with housekeepers and CNAs reporting regular findings of mouse droppings, especially in rooms where food was stored, and documenting pest issues in the pest control log. The facility's Room Readiness checklists did not document the presence of wall holes in resident rooms, and maintenance staff acknowledged that pest control recommendations had not been prioritized or fully addressed. The maintenance director cited challenges such as the age of the building, misaligned door frames, and difficulties in moving dumpsters due to yard terrain. The administrator confirmed that pest control issues had not been the facility's top priority, and that protocols for regular room checks were only recently initiated. As a result, the facility failed to take aggressive and timely measures to prevent or minimize rodent infestation, potentially affecting all residents.