RI Vaccine Mandate Follow Up

We understand that the new State of Rhode Island mandate to vaccinate health care workers has been and continues to be confusing. We will do our best to try to break it down further for you below.

There are three categories discussed in the mandate.



1. Health Care Facility
2. Health Care Provider
3. Health Care Worker

Health Care Facility is defined under RIGL 23-17-2(8) and includes hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, etc. It specifically excludes private dental offices.

Individuals that provide care in a Health Care Facility are considered Health Care Workers. All Health Care Workers must be vaccinated, including all dental personnel, both licensed and unlicensed (this would include assistants).

Individuals providing care in a private dental office are considered Health Care Providers. All Rhode Island licensed Health Care Providers are required to be vaccinated. This includes dentists, licensed dental hygienists, and licensed surgical OMS assistants. Dental assistants are not licensed with the State of RI and therefore do not fall within the mandate.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we show proof of vaccination?

• Proof of vaccination must be entered into the RI Child and Adult Immunization Registry. If you were vaccinated in Rhode Island, this will have been done automatically by the vaccine administrator.
• Anyone vaccinated outside of Rhode Island must complete this form and email it to [email protected].

How can I verify that I was properly entered into the Immunization Registry?

• Please visit https://portal.ri.gov/VaccineRecord/s/

If we do not wish to be vaccinated, can we continue to be tested twice weekly?

• No. Testing is not an option after October 1, 2021.

What is the penalty for not following the mandate?

• Health care facilities and health care providers that violate any provisions of the mandate are subject to administrative action by the Department of Health, or other action provided for under RIGL 23-1-25, which can include monetary fines. In addition to this, action may be taken against a license.

What do I need to prove a medical exemption?

• You must have a medical exemption signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or an advanced practice registered nurse, stating that you are exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine because of medical reasons, in accordance with Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines.

Can I implement a more strict mandate in my private office?

• Yes. As long as you continue to allow the medical exemption mentioned above.

RIDOH Provider Advisory

SPECIAL EDITION COVID-19

Pandemic Update for Providers Call: Delta Variant

Thursday, August 19 at 6pm

Zoom call-in information:

https://riema.zoom.us/j/242712785

Dial-in: 1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 242 712 785

Agenda:

1. Introduction
2. Epi update - experience from Israel
3. Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine
4. Delta variant epi stories
5. Update on monoclonal antibodies
6. Health care worker regulations

Rhode Island Dental Association