Different states have different approaches to managing the Covid-19 pandemic. In some states, like California, face masks are required in many locations, and some businesses are also requiring customers and employees to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Yet, in other states, things are different. For example, in Texas, it is against the law to set a mask mandate. Meanwhile, in Florida, asking for proof of vaccination is illegal.

Even though businesses can’t require proof of vaccination in Florida, one doctor is requiring her patients to get vaccinated in order to be treated in her office. She says that her decision is not related to politics. Instead, she based her decision on science.

Dr. Linda Marraccini explained, “When it comes to the safety of others, when it comes to the fact that it’s a global health problem and community health problem, at this point, I really say that this is where it draws the line in the sand for me.”

Marraccini is a family physician whose office is in South Miami. She is giving her patients until September 15 to get vaccinated. Otherwise, she will only treat them through televisits. For any vaccine hesitant patients where a televisit will not work, she is happy to refer the patients to another doctor.

Even though requiring proof of vaccination is banned in Florida, Marraccini’s practice may be an exception. Attorney Juan Carlos Planas told NBC, “I don’t believe you can treat a medical clinic the same way you can a business. But I also think that she lays something very clear that will probably impede the state’s ability to fine any business. She lays out in a medical way how exactly she wants to protect her staff and she specifically states that no medical professional has found many people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. She even says that the antibody treatment is not a substitute for vaccination.”

Watch the video below to hear from Marraccini about her decision and why she thinks it was the right decision to make.

Do you think a medical practice will be treated differently than other businesses when it comes to banning proof of vaccination in Florida? Do you think Marraccini made the right decision? Do you think more doctors will follow her lead?