VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

No more second hand smoke!

VHA Directive 1085 now reflects what we know about second-hand smoke: it causes strokes, and it kills. Veterans, employees and visitors all deserve to be protected from this hazard and be in a safe environment, and that’s what 1085 provides. It’s estimated that more than 41,000 nonsmoking adults die every year due to secondhand smoke. The Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking (2014) put the blame squarely on smoke in our environment. Electronic nicotine delivery systems are also included in the Directive, and are prohibited except for designated smoking areas. This includes vape pens and e-cigarettes.

While VHA facilities are required to provide smoking areas for patients, employees who have to escort patients to these smoking areas are exposed to the smoke. Therefore, nicotine replacement therapy will be provided to these patients, providing there are no medical contra-indications. VHA community clinics are NOT required to provide a smoking area, unless there is a set collective bargaining agreement.

VHA strongly supports screening all inpatients for tobacco use, and will provide no-cost nicotine replacement therapy to patients and employees who use tobacco products and want to quit. VHA has a core mission to provide preventive care and a safe environment, and this Directive will help take us down that path. Veterans can inquire with their primary care provider, and employees should ask Employee Health.