Section 216-RICR-20-15-7.8 - Influenza Vaccination RefusalA. Any healthcare worker may refuse the annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements described in these Regulations; provided, however, that he or she provides proper annual written notice of such refusal prior to December 15 of each year to each healthcare facility in or at which he or she is employed or volunteering, or with which he or she has an employment contract; and provided, however, that he or she who so refuses shall be required during any declared period in which flu is widespread to wear a procedure mask or higher-grade mask (e.g., KN95 or N95) during each direct patient contact or while in a patient care area in the performance of his or her duties at any healthcare facility. For healthcare workers licensed by RIDOH, compliance with this provision is part of his or her professional licensing obligations. 1. No healthcare worker shall be required to explain his or her refusal to obtain an annual seasonal influenza vaccination, nor shall any healthcare facility inquire into the basis of such refusal.B. Whenever the Director declares a period in which flu is widespread in a healthcare facility, within a defined geographic area, or throughout Rhode Island, the requirements in § 7.8 of this Part for wearing surgical face masks shall apply only to those nonimmunized healthcare workers at facilities or in geographic areas for which the period is declared.C. If the Director declares that a shortage exists for annual seasonal influenza vaccine, the Director shall be permitted to modify and/or suspend any requirement for some or all healthcare workers to obtain an annual seasonal influenza vaccination and/or any requirement for healthcare workers to wear surgical face masks in any healthcare facility; and shall be permitted to extend the deadlines in § 7.8(A) of this Part.216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-20-15-7.8
Amended effective 6/15/2022