Nurses Win Federal Court Decision on Virginia Mason's Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy
Posted on: Friday, 6 January 2006, 09:00 CST
SEATTLE, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States District Court ruled in favor of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 600 registered nurses at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), in upholding the arbitrator's decision's against VMMC which stopped the hospital from forcing RNs to receive flu shots.
The decision by the United States District Court denied VMMC's motion challenging the arbitrator's decision, which would have allowed the hospital to make flu shots a condition of employment and fire RNs who did not comply. The Court decision "did not find that the arbitrator's decision is procedurally defective" thereby upholding the arbitrator's award by denying the VMMC's appeal.
WSNA absolutely supports the flu vaccination and in fact strongly encourages nurses to get them. But, it does oppose any health care facility threatening to fire people if they do not submit to the mandatory vaccination, especially in the absence of a declared public health emergency and a recommendation for mandatory vaccination by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
"This decision confirms the arbitrator's ruling and prevents VMMC from forcing RNs to get a flu vaccination against their will. It's a basic right for people to make decisions regarding their own health care treatment. As health care professionals, nurses know that education, accessibility and incentives -- not brute force -- are the best way to encourage people to comply," said Barbara Frye, RN, Director of Labor Relations at WSNA.
Founded in 1908, WSNA is the professional organization representing more than 13,000 registered nurses in Washington State. WSNA effectively advocates for the improvement of health standards and availability of quality health care for all people; promotes high standards for the nursing profession; and advances the professional and economic development of nurses.
Washington State Nurses Association
CONTACT: Anne Tan Piazza of Washington State Nurses Association,+1-206-575-7979, ext. 3006, or mobile, +1-206-459-6409, or fax,+1-206-575-1908
Web site: http://www.wsna.org/
Source: PRNewswire
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