Administrative Policy - Adopted August 4, 2003
SUBJECT: TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS
Philosophy:
Lower Umpqua Hospital is committed to emphasizing, educating and demonstrating healthy lifestyles, as well as treating illnesses. It is also committed to protecting the health, safety and comfort of patients, employees and visitors, and to respect the rights of others who do not wish to be exposed to the adverse effects of inhaling second-hand smoke.
General Policy:
Effective August 15, 2003, Lower Umpqua Hospital and the surrounding campus will be a tobacco-free environment. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited inside and outside all Lower Umpqua Hospital buildings including the hospital, EMS, Maintenance Shop, Home Health Hospice building, and within any vehicles owned by Lower Umpqua Hospital.
Note: Employees and visitors are allowed to smoke in their private vehicles provided they are at least 75 feet from the hospital, EMS, and maintenance shop.
Patients:
Should a physician determine that a patient would be adversely affected medically by abrupt withdrawal from nicotine, supporting documentation and an order must be placed in the patient chart. Preference should be given to meeting the need with nicotine-withdrawal measures (patch, gum, etc.). Upon a physician order, patients are permitted to smoke outside the facility, away from entrances, in the company of a responsible person.
Employees:
- Department managers and supervisors are responsible for the administration of this policy as it pertains to their departments.
- Incidents of non-compliance involving employees will be subject to the established disciplinary process.
- Nicotine withdrawal aids, such as patches or gum, will be made available to employees, at current hospital cost, through the pharmacy. The hospital will pay for the first $190 of cessation aid for each employee.
- Smoking cessation classes will periodically be provided at no cost to employees and immediate family members who are attending with an employee.
Refer to the news article on Lower Umpqua Hospital's smoke-free campus.