Tobacco-free policy compliance required July 1

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine became a tobacco-free organization on Jan. 1, beginning a six-month transition period through June 30. All Medical Center and College of Medicine employees will be required to comply with the campus' tobacco-free policy by July 1. The tobacco-free policy is listed below: Purpose Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine (PSHMC/PSCOM) are committed to the highest quality health care, which includes prevention of disease. With this commitment comes the responsibility of providing a safe and healthy environment for all individuals who enter PSHMC/PSCOM premises. Secondhand smoke exposure has well-documented health risks and is the focus of a recent U. S. Surgeon General Report. PSHMC/PSCOM and its employees serve as role models for the community in the promotion of good health and thereby can influence public attitudes about smoking and tobacco use. To establish and maintain the safest possible environment in which to deliver quality care and to promote healthy behaviors among the community, PSHMC/PSCOM shall be a tobacco-free campus, including all buildings, grounds and facilities. Policy PSHMC/PSCOM's aim is to create a healthier and safer environment for patients, visitors and employees by eliminating the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. To that end, smoking and other uses of tobacco are prohibited in all PSHMC/PSCOM buildings, and on all properties and grounds, either leased or owned. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, walkways, paths, parking garages and other parking areas. Use of tobacco products also is not permitted in personal vehicles, while on PSHMC/PSCOM property. Procedure Visitors/patients: PSHMC/PSCOM promotes compassionate respectful communication of the tobacco-free policy by all employees. Employees are responsible for informing policy violators of the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. Information on smoking cessation programs and nicotine replacement may be obtained from a personal physician or pharmacist. Individuals also may contact the 24-hour Careline at (800) 243-1455 for smoking cessation classes and information offered at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. For patients, a collaborative effort between the patients' attending physicians and staff may be initiated to facilitate a tobacco-free lifestyle. Visitors who repeatedly refuse to comply with the Tobacco Free Campus Policy and become unruly may be requested to leave the property by security. Employees Employees who do not comply with this policy are reminded tactfully and compassionately of the policy and are referred to the 24-hour Careline for information on smoking cessation programs. However, as with all PSHMC/PSCOM policies, compliance is required, and continued disregard for this policy will result in documented counseling. Ultimately, the employee may be required to make a choice between continuing to disregard the policy or continuing employment. Application This policy applies to all patients, clients, visitors, students, residents and employees of PSHMC/PSCOM and anyone doing business on PSHMC/PSCOM property. Exclusions Construction sites not owned by Penn State Hershey Medical Center and tobacco use within private residences (student housing on campus) are not covered by this policy.