WASHINGTON Before COVID-19 killed thousands of nursing home residents, about 4 in 10 homes inspected were cited for infection control problems, according to a government watchdog report Wednesday that finds a persistent pattern of lapses. Nursing homes ended up bearing the brunt of the coronavirus outbreak. Data for that five-year period showed that 82% of nursing homes inspected, or 13,299, had at least one deficiency related to infection control and prevention. While about 40% of nursing homes nationwide were cited for infection control problems, the GAO found wide differences among states. The report also found that nonprofit nursing homes were somewhat less likely to be cited for persistent infection control problems.