Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo vaccinated; AG probes hospital vaccine distribution
Updated Jan 22, 2021;
Rhode Island’s attorney general is reviewing whether the state’s largest hospital operators are properly distributing COVID vaccines.
The Providence Journal reports state Attorney General Peter Neronha’s office has been in contact with the state Department of Health regarding the distribution of vaccines by Lifespan and Care New England.
Kristy dosReis, a spokesperson for Neronha, told the newspaper that the office intends to look into any improper distribution and determine whether legal violations occurred.
The Journal previously reported that board members and trustees at the two hospital groups have been offered vaccinations, even as elderly residents won’t receive the vaccine until at least next month, under the state’s vaccine distribution plan.
Published January 17. 2021 2:33AM
Associated Press
RHODE ISLAND
Vaccines have been given to board members at Lifespan and trustees at Care New England even as older adults across the state have to wait weeks or months for their turn, officials say.
Both companies, the state s largest and second-largest hospital groups, respectively, have expanded eligibility to everyone who works there, no matter their age or risk or exposure, the Providence Journal reported. That includes lab techs, top administrators and others.
Jane Bruno, spokesperson for Lifespan, the state s largest employer, said board members were offered available vaccination slots last weekend as part of the lowest tier of priority.
Vaccines have been given to board members at Lifespan and trustees at Care New England even as older adults across the state have to wait weeks or months for.