A Rhode Island internist had his license suspended for exposing clients to COVID-19, according to the Providence Journal
Anthony Farina Jr., MD, apparently continued to work after he tested positive for the illness, and used a mask that exposed his nose, according to witness testament to the state medical board.
Farina “continued to see patients while purposefully sick. He passed the infection to workers. I think this was the incorrect thing to do,” one unknown staff member had actually grumbled.
According to the board’s order, Farina informed the committee that he only had a sinus infection, and no symptoms other than nasal discharge that disappeared after he took antibiotics. He said he didn’t agreement COVID-19 up until weeks later, and properly separated and used an N95 mask at that time.
The board, nevertheless, doubted that account, according to the Providence Journal Experience statement during a board investigation suggested he became symptomatic in late November, and continued to work even after checking favorable a few days later. He saw clients while wearing an N95 mask but with his nose exposed, according to testimony.
A team member also stated Farina modified his medical records to make it appear like he was asymptomatic in spite of really showing signs for numerous days.
Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Smith, MD, MPH, bought an emergency suspension of Farina’s license on Jan. 14, which will stand till more order of the health department or the medical board.
The state has not yet posted details of the disciplinary action, however the Journal reported that the problem declared other infractions, consisting of failure to forward medical records after clients left the practice, overlooking to refer a client to a needed expert, recommending opioids to a member of the family, and charging an insurance provider for treatment that did not occur.
Likewise, throughout an assessment at one of Farina’s 6 practices in July, the health department recorded a team member without a face covering and three others using them improperly. The office also stopped working to publish COVID-19 safety protocols and take preventative measures such as screening clients prior to getting in the center and making sure adequate room to social range in the waiting space at the time.
An ask for comment from the Rhode Island health department was not returned since press time.
According to the Providence Journal, Farina rejected the allegations and stated he will appeal the order. In a statement released by his legal representative, Farina said he “strongly den[ies] the false claims made by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) that I at any time threatened the health of my clients. As a medical professional, my very first duty is to do no damage, and I take that oath exceptionally seriously.”
” I want to assure all of my patients that I would never ever place them in harm. I am attractive RIDOH’s suspension of my license and am confident I will be completely cleared of these false and misleading accusations,” he stated in the statement.
Farina, a 1991 graduate of Brown University School of Medicine, is no stranger to debate. In 2018, he commissioned a mural of North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi using a crown and holding a mobile phone while resting on a toilet, in protest of the city’s request that he destroy one of his former office complex that had actually fallen into disrepair.
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. jpg" >Kristina Fiore leads MedPage’s enterprise & investigative reporting team. She’s been a medical journalist for more than a years and her work has actually been recognized by Barlett & Steele, AHCJ, SABEW, and others. Send story ideas to k.fiore@medpagetoday.com. Follow
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