Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Immunization, Testing, and Health Screening for Health Care Workers [R23-17-HCW]

Regulation Authority:

RIGL Chapters 23-17 and 23-17.7.1

Purpose and Reason:

The new regulations differ from the existing regulations in that all health care workers in health care facilities must now be vaccinated against annual seasonal influenza each year, unless they obtain a medical exemption or sign a refusal form to be submitted to the health care facility in which they are employed or volunteering. Those who remain nonimmunized against flu must wear a surgical face mask when the Director of Health declares that a period of widespread flu exists and the facility in which the worker is employed is covered by this declaration. Those who fail to wear a surgical face mask during direct patient contact during a declared period of widespread flu shall be subject to a $100 fine and to disciplinary action against their professional license. Also, by January 1, 2014, all health care workers must obtain the TDaP vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis if they have not previously had one. Rules about other vaccinations were amended for clarification.