DOH Reinstates Health Professional - After 23 Year Suspension

DOH Reinstates Health Professional - After 23 Year Suspension

A registered health professional whose license was “indefinitely suspended” by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) in 2002 is now back - and on probation. 

According to RIDOH, nursing assistant Kelly Fanning faced a complaint in 1998 that while she was employed as a nursing home assistant, she “abused residents.” 

RIDOH did not provide any additional details pertaining to the complaint. 

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Fanning and RIDOH entered into a consent order in 2000 to “resolve” the complaint, according to the state, during which time she was subject to a two-year probation period.

Then, in March 2002, Fanning’s license was “indefinitely suspended due to noncompliance with the terms of her probation.” 

Now, after Fanning was without an active license for more than 23 years, she has successfully petitioned to get it back - with stipulations. 

 

Latest RIDOH Action 

According to RIDOH, in January 2024, Fanning completed a nursing assistant training program and “successfully passed the state examinations.” 

“On May 15, 2025, [Fanning] appeared before the [Board] to request that [they] reinstate her license,” according to RIDOH. 

“Following its review, the Board granted [Fanning’s] request to reinstate her license, subject to a six-month probation,” said RIDOH. 

The consent order signed last week by Fanning and the state stipulates that she must work at a hospital or nursing facility with “direct supervision” for six months and is not allowed to work in a private home without direct supervision. 

Any employer of Fanning's moving forward is required to provide RIDOH with quarterly performance reports, per the consent order.