Failure to Maintain Pest-Free Environment Resulting in Resident Ant Bites
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to ensure a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment for a resident, as evidenced by the presence of ants in the resident's room and bed. On the morning of 9/5/25, staff were notified of ants found under the resident's sheets, and maintenance was called to address the issue. Despite these actions, the resident was exposed to ants, which were observed coming from the window or AC unit area. The resident, who had intact cognition and required assistance with personal care due to muscle weakness and polyneuropathies, reported feeling something crawling on her shoulder, and staff subsequently discovered numerous ants on her bed. Following the incident, the resident developed ant bites on her bilateral inner thighs and right flank area, which were documented as red, raised areas with fluid-filled pustules. These findings were confirmed through skin assessments, progress notes, and photographic evidence submitted to the regulatory agency. The resident did not initially report pain or discomfort from the bites, but the presence of the bites was verified by both the resident and the treatment nurse during a later assessment, with small circular scars noted in the affected areas. Interviews with staff, including the DON, LVNs, CNA, and maintenance staff, confirmed the timeline of events and the presence of ants in the resident's room. The facility's maintenance logs also documented the report of ants in the resident's bed. The administrator acknowledged the importance of monitoring for pests and ensuring a pest-free environment, and staff interviews indicated that the ants were traced to the AC unit. The facility's policy emphasized the right of residents to a homelike environment, but this was not upheld in this instance due to the pest infestation and resulting ant bites.