Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an ongoing and effective pest control program, as evidenced by the presence of cockroaches and water bugs in three of seven resident rooms reviewed. Multiple residents reported seeing roaches and water bugs in their rooms on a regular basis, with one resident specifically noting that his roommate kept uncovered food in the room, which may have contributed to the pest issue. Observations confirmed the presence of live cockroaches in resident rooms and dead bugs in facility hallways. Staff interviews revealed that sightings of pests were common, with some staff members encountering bugs several times a week. Despite the facility's policy requiring staff to log pest sightings in a maintenance book, the maintenance log from April to August showed no entries regarding bugs. Several staff members, including CNAs, were unaware of the requirement to document pest sightings in the logbook and instead reported verbally to the maintenance director or simply disposed of the bugs themselves. The maintenance director was not always present in the facility, and the contracted exterminator, who visited monthly, relied on the logbook to identify problem areas but found it was never utilized. Residents involved had significant medical histories, including chronic heart failure, COPD, diabetes, and a history of infections, making them particularly vulnerable to the health risks associated with pest infestations. Interviews with EMS personnel confirmed that bugs were observed on residents' beds during transfers to the hospital. The facility's failure to implement its pest control policy and ensure effective communication and documentation of pest sightings resulted in ongoing pest issues in resident care areas.