Cape Cod Healthcare is tobacco free

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of death, disease and disability in the United States. The US Surgeon General has confirmed that exposure to secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard and that there is no risk-free level of exposure. Smoke and tobacco use in and around health care facilities poses health and safety risks for patients, employees, and visitors. As a health care provider, Cape Cod Healthcare and its affiliates (CCHC) is committed to promoting and providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees, patients, residents, volunteers, contract employees, students and visitors. We believe we have a responsibility to exercise leadership on this critical health issue and that our efforts will:

• Create a healthier environment for everyone who visits our campuses by eliminating secondhand smoke
• Demonstrate our commitment to improve the health of the community and all our employees
• Promote wellness through education and resources for treating nicotine addiction
• Set an example we hope other organizations and businesses follow

POLICY

It is the policy of Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) to maintain a 100% smoke and tobacco free environment for the preservation and protection of the health of our patients, residents, employees, and visitors. As such, the use of tobacco products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff, or chewing tobacco) or unregulated nicotine products (e.g., e-cigarettes) is not permitted by anyone on property owned or leased by CCHC, or in any vehicles on such property. In addition, the odor of tobacco smoke or other smokeless tobacco products must not be detectable on any employee or volunteer at any time in accordance with CCHC’s Fragrance Free Workplace Policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for assisting Security in enforcing this policy.

PROCEDURE

1. Geographic Areas Covered by Policy

The use of tobacco or unregulated nicotine products is prohibited in or on any property owned or leased by Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC), including vehicles on such property. This policy shall apply to:

• All facilities, buildings, and grounds which are owned or leased by CCHC
• Adjoining sidewalks to CCHC owned or leased property
• Parking lots and driveways which are owned or leased by CCHC
• CCHC vehicles
• Vehicles which are operated or parked on CCHC owned or leased property

2. Prohibited Products

Prohibited products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco, or unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes).

3. Employee Responsibilities

All Cape Cod Healthcare (CCHC) employees are required to observe and promote compliance with the Smoke & Tobacco Free Campus Policy. CCHC employees are encouraged and expected to be good neighbors and refrain from using tobacco and unregulated nicotine products on the property of nearby businesses and residences.

4. Visitors

Visitors shall be informed of the Smoke & Tobacco Free Campus Policy through various types of messaging, including signs posted inside and outside all CCHC properties. Informational cards will be available for all staff to give visitors who are observed smoking on CCHC property.

Visitors who refuse to comply with the policy will be reported to Security.

5. Patients and Residents

At the time of admission or registration, patients and residents will be given information regarding the Smoke & Tobacco Free Campus Policy. Patients will be informed that leaving the campus for any reason while admitted, including to smoke, will not be allowed. Patients leaving campus while admitted is classified as "against medical authorization."

Patients and residents will not be permitted to use tobacco or unregulated nicotine products under any circumstances. If an employee observes a patient/resident using such products, they will remind them of the policy. Tobacco and unregulated nicotine items belonging to patients and residents will be placed in a secure location until discharge.

The management team will provide additional remedies for the safety and well-being of the patient/resident. Smoking cessation materials will be given to the patient/resident and their physician may be contacted about requesting smoking cessation products.

If the use of tobacco or unregulated nicotine products continues after the first verbal reminder, management and Security may be contacted for additional assistance and to reinforce the policy.