Observations
Based on a review of the facility's pest control policy and procedure, client interviews, and a physical plant inspection, the facility failed to follow their policy and procedures relating to bed bugs, and failed to include procedures to help prevent the infestation of bed bugs.
The findings include:
A complaint investigation was conducted on November 1, 2011. The facility's policy and procedure for pest control was requested and presented for review. Facility staff confirmed that there had been a problem with bed bugs, but that a pest control company had heat treated the affected buildings and that K9 dogs had cleared the building of any current infestations.
Facility staff reported that a new policy has been developed as a result of the latest infestation, however, the policy only stops the luggage and belongings of new patients who report having contact with bed bugs. Though there were no current signs of bed bugs during the complaint investigation, the presence of bed bugs was confirmed and the bed bug protocol used by the facility was deficient.
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Plan of Correction
General safety and emergency procedures.:
705.9. General safety and emergency procedures. The residential facility shall: (1) Be free of rodent and insect infestation.
Plan of Correction:
The Cove Forge "Bed Bug Protocol" was revised to include Section 4 which states
"a. While inventorying client's belongings during the admissions process if the intake staff notices any indication of bed bug activity.
i. Clients belonging will be bagged, tagged, tape sealed shut and taken to the laundry area to be dried.
ii. Clients belonging will be dried on high heat for a minimum of 1 hour.
iii. Following drying the clients belonging will be placed in the wash to be cleaned then dried again.
iv. If the client has belongings that can not be washed the items will be placed in garbage bags. A Nuvan strip or Hot Shot Strip will be placed in the bag, tape sealed shut and the bag will be placed in the Luggage holding area for a minimum of 7 days.
Section 7 was also added to the protocol which states: "Housekeeping staff are trained in identifying bed bug activity and inspect each room on a daily basis."
All staff were given the revised policy. This policy will be reviewed at staff meetings and each month at New Employee Orientation, and at Annual Mandatory Training.
The Responsible Person will be the Cove Forge Risk & Safety Coordinator.
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