Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I work at an assisted living facility with separate memory care and residential care wings.
About two weeks ago, one of our (now bedbound but previously not) residents began exibiting extreme symptoms of bedbugs (severe itchiness, bug bite esque wounds on her skin that now bleed profusely), and her roomate is exhibiting similar symtoms to a lesser extent. I documented this in the chart once i saw it with my own eyes a day ago. When this resident moved in two months ago, there was concern of bedbugs by the resident’s roomate’s, family, and treatment was conducted on the resident and her roomate’s belongings, though not in common areas, hallways, or bathrooms. A month ago she became bedbound and was moved to the residential wing.
one week ago management notified us through the chart that maintenance found evidence of bedbugs across the facility, but that all the furniture in common areas was “treated,” so we shouldn’t worry. No mention of resident rooms, bathrooms or staff areas. When asked follow up questions, management insisted either 1. there were no bedbugs in the first place or 2. the bedbugs are all gone, depending on who asked at what time, Resident and her roomate continue to exhibit symptoms to a health hazardous degree (as in theyre scratching their skin off and bleeding like A LOT)
two days ago, a fellow CNA found bedbugs in her own home and had to fumigate. The company refused to pay for it, as there is technically no bedbug problem on site.
In my understanding of OSHA regulations, we as employees have the right to refuse to work in an environment that could in good faith be interpreted as hazardous to our health? is it correct of me to pull this card to avoid having to enter this patient’s room at least (i have multiple housemates and a dog. fumigation is something i can technically afford on paper but really want to avoid at all costs).
No PPE or training on mitigating bedbug infestation has been provided.
Further, is there anyone i can report this bedbug issue to or any information I can collect that would make this reportable?
Apologies if this isn’t enough information, i dont want to get into speculation and rumors, just state the facts i do know. any help is appreciated!
Comments
You can file a complaint here.
https://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/report-a-health-or-safety-concern/file-a-complaint-about-a-medical-facility/ Ombusman may also be able to help, they are patient safety advocates https://www.carie.org/programs/long-term-care/