Via HR.BLR.com, a website for human-resources professionals: RI first state to adopt regs to require flu shots for healthcare workers. Excerpt:
The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) has announced that it has adopted new amendments to its Rules and Regulations for Immunization and Testing For Healthcare Workers that will make flu immunizations mandatory for all workers, students, trainees, and volunteers who may have routinely anticipated face-to-face interaction, also known as "direct contact," with patients at a healthcare facility. It is the first state in the country to adopt such a requirement.
"HEALTH listened closely to all stakeholders and used that feedback to craft amendments that addressed the concerns of healthcare workers and volunteers, while protecting patients from the threat of influenza," said Michael Fine, MD, director of HEALTH.
Healthcare workers and volunteers who have a medical reason for not getting a flu shot may obtain a medical exemption from their doctor, licensed physician's assistant, or licensed nurse practitioner. This exemption must be renewed annually and submitted to the employing facility by December 15 each year.
Healthcare workers and volunteers who are opposed to having a flu shot but are not medically exempt must submit a form annually by December 15 that states their refusal to be immunized against influenza and indicates their understanding that they are obligated to wear a surgical face mask during each routinely anticipated direct patient contact during any declared period in which the flu is widespread.
That determination will be made by the Director of Health, and healthcare facilities will notify all workers that "a period in which flu is widespread" has been declared for the facility.
