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, resulting in the presence of flies, cockroaches, water bugs, and ants throughout the building. Pest control logs indicated repeated reports of flies and cockroaches/water bugs on all three units over a three-month period. During multiple facility tours, surveyors observed numerous flies on all floors and a large dead roach in a resident room entry. Residents unanimously reported ongoing issues with flies and water bugs in both common areas and individual rooms, with some also noting the presence of ants around the nurse's desk. Staff interviews confirmed recent sightings of these pests and acknowledged that pest sightings were documented in pest control books on each unit. The Director of Housekeeping and Laundry, along with the President of Environmental Services, confirmed the ongoing pest issues and stated that the pest control company visited weekly, basing their services on reported sightings. Despite these measures, pests continued to be observed by both staff and residents, and the problem was described as persistent and bothersome. The Administrator stated her expectation that the facility should be free of pests, but the ongoing presence of flies, water bugs, and ants indicated that the pest control program was not effective in preventing or addressing infestations.