Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program to ensure the environment was free of insects, pests, and rodents on two out of four resident nursing units. Despite having a policy requiring ongoing pest control, documentation showed that while work orders were entered and completed for fruit fly issues on one unit, there was no evidence that these issues were communicated to the pest management contractor. Observations revealed the continued presence of small black flying insects in the resident dining area, and the pest management contractor confirmed he had not been informed of fruit fly problems nor treated for them in recent months. The Director of Maintenance reported that staff used cleaning agents and pesticides, but these actions were not coordinated with the pest management contractor. Additionally, a resident with paraplegia, who was cognitively intact, reported seeing mice in her room for over a month and discovered a partially eaten candy bar, which was a gift from a family member. Observations in her room and other resident rooms revealed multiple mouse-like droppings and evidence of gnawing. Pest management records did not document any mouse activity until surveyors made inquiries, indicating a lack of effective monitoring and communication regarding rodent issues. These findings were reviewed with facility leadership, confirming the deficiency in maintaining a pest-free environment.