DIRECTIVE NUMBER EC-03

SUBJECT: SMOKING/TOBACCO-FREE ENVIRONMENT

PREPARED BY: QUALITY MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE OR REVISED DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2009

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I. PURPOSE:

This policy establishes Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital as a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment.

II. POLICY:

Smoking has been identified as both a fire and health hazard. It is the policy of this facility that the use of tobacco products shall be prohibited throughout the campus. Staff and visitors wishing to smoke will be required the leave the campus to do so. Patients will not be allowed to use tobacco products during their stay in the hospital.

III. PROCEDURE:

It is the responsibility of each employee to be familiar with this policy, and to fully comply at all times. Supervisory personnel are responsible for enforcement of this policy, as it pertains to facility employees. Any violation will result in disciplinary action.

Conspicuous signage will be posted throughout the campus in order to insure all patients, visitors, and staff are informed upon entry. In addition, patients will be informed of this policy during their admission orientation; and visitors informed during their visitation registration.

Clinical staff are responsible for enforcement of this policy, as it pertains to patients; with Public Safety primarily responsible for visitor enforcement.

Visitation privileges will be terminated for any visitor suspected/known to be providing any patient with tobacco products and/or smoking paraphernalia.

Smoking cessation products/therapy will be available to patients, per the direction of the clinical staff. Information for employees is available via Human Resources.

NOTE: The DMH directive covering meal periods and work breaks outlines that “failure to return to the workstation prior to the end of a break, when directed or requested by the supervisor, will be justification for appropriate disciplinary action.” Based on that statement it is apparent that leaving the campus during a work break would make it impossible to be contacted should the employee be needed back at work. Therefore, employees should not be leaving the campus to smoke during work breaks.

IV. RESCINDS:

This policy rescinds the preceding policy of August 9, 2007.