RI first state to adopt regs to require flu shots for healthcare workers

Business and Legal Resources, October 22, 2012

The Rhode Island Department of Health has announced that it 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. 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.