Updated DOH Vaccine Mandate FAQ
The Department of Health (DOH) released an updated COVID-19 vaccine mandate FAQ, which aims to clarify questions arising from Proclamation 21-14.1.
The Department of Health (DOH) released an updated COVID-19 vaccine mandate FAQ, which aims to clarify questions arising from Proclamation 21-14.1. Some of the questions WSDA submitted to the governor’s office are answered in this FAQ.
For ease of reference, we have highlighted the new/updated language here. Additionally, we have included some of DOH’s key clarifications below:
Proof of Vaccination Status
- Proof of vaccination does not need to be sent to the DOH.
- Health care setting operators are not required to retain a copy of proof of vaccination.
- Health care setting operators can rely on the employer of a contractor to verify their employees’ vaccination status.
- Health care setting operators are prohibited from providing accommodations that they know are based on false, misleading, or dishonest grounds or information, or are based on personal preference. They are likewise prohibited from providing accommodations without conducting an individual assessment and determination of each individual’s needs and justification for an accommodation, i.e., “rubberstamping” accommodation requests.
Workers
- Health care setting operators cannot hire an unvaccinated individual who is required to get vaccinated under the proclamation and train them remotely or allow them to engage in other work remotely until they are vaccinated.
- Employers can re-hire a worker once the employer obtains proof of vaccination.
Who Does This Proclamation Apply To?
- The mandate does not apply to vendors who are present at the health care setting for only a short amount of time and any moments of close physical proximity to others on site are fleeting.
My Question Was Not Answered in This FAQ. Who Should I Contact?
- You may send further questions about the vaccine requirement for health care providers and health care setting operators to covid.vaccine@doh.wa.gov.
As a reminder, WSDA has created sample forms employers can use to document religious and medical accommodation requests by employees. While these forms were reviewed by WSDA legal counsel, members should review these forms and the legal disclosure in their entirety before determining if or how they should be used. Log in to access the forms.
Sincerely,
WSDA President
