Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control and Environmental Cleanliness
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure an effective pest control program was in place, as evidenced by repeated observations of mouse droppings and resident reports of mice in multiple areas. The written pest control policy, shared between Dining Services and the facility, focused on food preparation, service, and storage areas and referenced coordination between the Dining Service Director and Director of Maintenance for pest control services. During an initial tour of the dining room, surveyors observed a large amount of small, dark brown-to-black, cylindrical pellets resembling grains of rice on the countertop along the wall/backsplash, in utensil drawers, in a cabinet labeled for a suction machine, and in a drawer labeled for clothing protectors. Staff present during these observations acknowledged prior issues with mice and stated the area needed to be cleaned, but the pellets remained present when rechecked later the same day. Multiple residents reported seeing mice in their rooms within the prior week, and surveyors observed environmental conditions consistent with pest activity and inadequate cleaning. One resident stated that rooms did not get cleaned properly and had food debris on the floor under the bed, on bed linens, and around the bathroom sink. Another resident reported seeing a mouse under a roommate’s cabinet, where surveyors then observed several small, dark brown-to-black, cylindrical pellets along the floor near the wall and a large amount of debris on top of the cabinet. Additional residents reported mice coming from bathrooms and under closets; in these rooms, surveyors observed holes in walls behind commodes, loose baseboards with holes, damaged drywall, and mouse-like pellets on the floor behind commodes and in corners. Staff, including a CNA and the Administrator, confirmed the presence of debris, wall holes, and the need for cleaning and repairs in these resident rooms and bathrooms.
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