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UPDATED: RI Health Dept orders Dr. Stephen Skoly to “cease professional conduct…” for not being vaccinated
UPDATE: Dr. Skoly will be filing for the appeal noted in the violation order. He learned about the action against him from the media, and did not receive it at his current email address. Check back here for updates as we follow this story.
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Dr. Stephen Skoly has been sent a “Notice of Violation and Compliance Order” by Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health Friday night.
This action follows Dr. Skoly’s stated decision that he would not comply with the mandatory vaccination regulations for all healthcare workers requiring vaccinations by October 1st.
Skoly, who said he has had COVID19, back in December of 2020, also notes his chronic Lyme Disease condition and his past case of Bell’s Palsy as reasons why he would not get vaccinated. Skoly said the results of his medical antibody titer test shows he still has a strong immunity level.
Skoly said he called the Governor to discuss the mandate and exemptions, natural immunity, etc., but has not made contact.
In January of 2021, Dr. Fauci of the CDC said anyone who has had COVID could have an immunity estimated at 90 days – after which they should be vaccinated. However, this was before the Delta strain became prominent. The most current information on vaccinations for “persons with prior or current COVID-19” say that “COVID-19 vaccines can be given safely to people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection Defer vaccination until person has recovered from the acute illness and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation. (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/summary-interim-clinical-considerations.pdf)
In an interview this afternoon with Michael Stenhouse of the RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity (below), Skoly said he took care of a few emergency dental procedures for patients that had nowhere else to go and were in serious pain with emergent dental conditions, but otherwise did not operate his normal schedule. At least one implant procedure was postponed. Patients who received services, according to Skoly, were fully informed about the issue and signed a disclaimer prior to services being delivered. Skoly says he received only one call from an elderly person postponing next week’s appointment.
In addition to a private practice in Chapel View, Cranston, Skoly provides dental care to both the ACI, Department of Corrections, and the Eleanor Slater Hospital. Skoly, a renowned maxillofacial surgeon, is known for his charity and advocacy work.
On his office website, Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, his services are described as “Dr. Steven Skoly, offers a wide range of services, with areas of expertise including facial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, laser surgery, extraction of impacted teeth, and wisdom teeth removal. He also diagnoses and treats facial pain, facial injuries, and TMJ disorders and performs procedures including dental implants.”
Skoly notes there used to be over 40 maxillofacial surgeons in Rhode Island – today, approximately 15 practices are listed as providing these services in the state.
Skoly’s interview with Stenhouse explains what he says is the science behind his decision. Skoly serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity. (https://rifreedom.org/about-us/)
In summary, the order says, Skoly … “is ordered to cease professional conduct as a health care provider, as described above, unless and until he has complied with the terms and conditions of 216-RICR-20-15-8. In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-1-20 and 23-1-22, a written request for a hearing may be filed with the Director at the address below within 10 days after service of this notice. If a written request for a hearing is not made to the Director within 10 days after service of this notice, this notice shall become a compliance order by operation of law. Failure to comply with the provisions of a compliance order may result in additional sanctions and penalties authorized by law.
Ordered this 1st day of October, 2021.
Nicole Alexander-Scott, M.D., M.P.H.
Director
Rhode Island Department of Health
Here is the actual document that was served to Dr. Skoly via electronic transmission:
Interview with Dr. Skoly Friday afternoon by Mike Stenhouse, RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity – click on the link below the photo to watch:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1164651372
This is a developing story
Photo, top: from video interview with RI Center for Freedom and Prosperity