Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in ongoing issues with roaches and mice in both resident areas and the kitchen. Multiple reports and direct observations documented the presence of roaches, including one seen crawling on top of the dish machine during a kitchen inspection. Staff and residents reported frequent sightings of roaches and mice, particularly on Unit 4 and in the kitchen, with several entries in the Pest Elimination Division Service Request Log confirming repeated incidents over several months. Despite regular weekly visits from an exterminator and additional treatments when urgent issues were reported, the pest problem persisted, as evidenced by continued sightings and complaints from residents and staff. Residents described seeing roaches in their rooms daily and reported the issue to staff, with some stating that exterminator visits did not resolve the problem. Staff members, including dietary aides, CNAs, and nurses, corroborated these reports, noting sightings of roaches throughout the facility and in staff areas. The facility's own policy required an effective pest control program, but the ongoing presence of pests indicated that the measures in place were insufficient to eradicate or contain the infestations.