RI Doctor Accused Of Exposing People To Coronavirus

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI —A Rhode Island doctor had his license suspended indefinitely following allegations that he exposed patients and staff to the coronavirus.

Dr. Anthony Farina, an internal medicine specialist with six Rhode Island practices, had his license indefinitely suspended by Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of Rhode Island's Department of Health, Thursday.

Farina denied the Department of Health's allegations through his lawyer, the Boston Globe reported.

According to the Board of Medical Licensure & Discipline's report, the board received four complaints about Farina working while sick, infecting his employees and yelling at his staff in front of patients.

Multiple witnesses told the board that Farina fell ill and was evaluated at his clinic on Nov. 25, but refused to get a coronavirus test, they said. He continued to come to work for two weeks, before testing positive for the virus on Dec. 9, the report says.

Witnesses told the Board's investigative committee that Farina met with staff and patients while symptomatic and wore a N95 mask but did not cover his nose.

Even after testing positive, witnesses said, Farina met with staff.

"Respondent’s decision to work in the office during the isolation period after the December 4,

2020 positive test put the health and well-being of patients, employees, and others at risk," the board wrote. "The Investigative Committee unanimously determined that Respondent should be summarily suspended."

Farina is appealing the suspension of his license, according to the statement issued through his lawyer.

This is not Farina's first time in the spotlight: In 2018, he had a mural commissioned on a dilapidated North Providence building he owned showing the town's Mayor Charles Lombardi sitting on a toilet wearing a crown and holding a cellphone.

Farina ultimately lost that battle with the town and was forced to tear the building down.