North Providence Doctor Accused Of Spreading COVID Is Reinstated

NORTH PROVIDENCE — A North Providence doctor accused of intentionally exposing his patients to COVID-19 is apparently back in the good graces of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Dr. Anthony G. Farina Jr.'s medical license was suspended in January after the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline determined that his behavior presented a danger to the community. The board determined that Farina continued to treat patients after he tested positive for COVID-19, and that he did so with a mask positioned beneath his nose.

Farina's medical privileges were restored Feb. 23 without explanation, according to records viewed by The Providence Journal.

“Dr. Farina’s license was suspended because of concerns that his continuation in practice would constitute an immediate danger to the public. It was later determined that Dr. Farina’s continuation in practice no longer constituted an immediate danger to the public, so his license was restored,” department spokesman Joseph Wendelken told the Providence newspaper.

Separately, Farina is accused of violating labor laws.

Read More at The Providence Journal

Live in North Providence? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Download our free Patch mobile app.