SMOKING POLICY

 

POLICY STATEMENT:

The Division of Veterans Healthcare Services provides Medical and Long Term nursing care to infirm residents, and thus encourages good heath practices. Smoking presents health, fire, and safety hazards, and hence it is the Department's policy to discourage smoking and reinforce non-smoking practices among residents, employees, visitors, and others.

PURPOSE:

The primary purpose of this policy is to control the smoking of all residents, employees, visitors, and others, via the implementation and enforcement of established guidelines within the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes.

DEFINITIONS:

SMOKING - will mean the burning of a cigar, cigarette, pipe, or other matter or substance, which contains tobacco.

PROCEDURE:

A. New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes

 

1. The smoking policy is to be presented to residents and/or family members, and all employees during the orientation and/or training period.

2. Employees, family members, visitors, and others may not smoke except in areas designated by prominently displayed signs outside of State buildings.

3. Residents who choose to smoke are to respect the rights of those who choose not to smoke.

4. Smoking by residents shall be permitted in areas designated by the Chief Executive Officer, and in full compliance with all applicable laws, fire safety codes, and internal procedures.

5. Designated smoking areas will be provided with adequate ventilation, and contain a sufficient number of ashtrays or other prescribed receptacles.

6. A resident's smoking may be restricted for clinical reasons by order of the attending physician.

7. If there is any question, the resident must be evaluated by Medical and Nursing staff for the capability of handling their own smoking materials.

8. A sign indicating that smoking is prohibited in the facility, except in designated areas, shall be posted prominently at each public entrance to the facility. The notice might well indicate that violators are subject to a fine, or violators may be asked to leave the premises.

 

 


Revised: July 2005


 

ADMINISTRATION - 09-02-005

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