Failure to Effectively Manage Flies and Gnats in Resident Room and Common Area
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to effectively manage pests, specifically flies and gnats, in at least one resident room and in the conference room. A resident with peripheral vascular disease and venous ulcers, who had moderately impaired cognition, reported seeing flies and gnats in his previous room. His family member confirmed that flies and gnats were present on multiple occasions, leading her to purchase and install a UV insect trap in the room after receiving permission from a previous administrator. The family member stated that the issue was reported to numerous staff members, and another resident who shared the room also reported persistent insect problems, resorting to purchasing spray to address the issue himself. Observations during the survey did not find insects in the room at that time, but staff interviews confirmed the presence of flies and gnats in the past, often attributed to open food and trash left in the room. Nursing and housekeeping staff acknowledged the presence of flies and gnats in the affected room, noting that the residents kept open snacks and trash, which attracted the pests. The wound nurse and nurse aides confirmed that the family had brought in a UV insect trap and that extra cleaning and trash removal were attempted. The Director of Housekeeping reported that the room was cleaned multiple times daily due to ongoing issues with food debris and trash, and she had observed gnats and flies herself. The Maintenance Director stated that he did not keep a log of pest complaints and would address issues as they were reported, but he did not recall being notified about flies or gnats in this particular room. The facility had a contract with a pest control company for monthly treatments, but the pest control representative had no record of complaints about flies or gnats, only treating for rodents and cockroaches during recent visits. Additionally, surveyors observed small winged gnats in the facility conference room during their visit. The new administrator was unaware of any fly or gnat problem prior to the survey but acknowledged that such pests should not be present in resident rooms. The lack of effective pest management and communication regarding pest issues led to ongoing problems with flies and gnats in at least one resident room and a common area, as confirmed by multiple staff, residents, and family members.