COLORADO SPRINGS HEALTH PARTNERS, P.C. (CSHP)

HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES DEPARTMENTPOLICY AND PROCEDURE

SUBJECT: Tobacco-Free Environment / EFFECTIVE DATE: 8/9/10
REVISION DATE:
REVIEW DATE:
APPROVED BY: Linda Sommervold, HR Director and the CSHP Wellness Committee / POLICY NO.: HR-002

PURPOSE:

As a healthcare organization committed to the health and safety of our employees, patients, physicians, visitors,and business associates, Colorado Springs Health Partners, PC (CSHP) is taking a leadership role on the major public health issue of tobacco usage. CSHP leadership views it as consistent with our mission that CSHP serve as a community role model by promoting the good health of our staff and influencing public attitudes about tobacco use. CSHP’s tobacco-free environmentis in compliance with state and federal regulations and the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006.

POLICY:

Tobacco useon CSHP propertywill not be allowed as of August 9, 2010. Everyone including but not limited to employees, physicians, patients, visitors, volunteers, students, externs, temporary or agency staffing, independent contractors, vendors, sales representatives, and/or other company representatives will be prohibited from tobacco use on CSHP premises.

A ban on tobacco does not take away an individual’s rights as there is no “right to smoke” in Colorado. CSHP does not require staff, patients, or visitors to stop using tobacco; however, it is required that people do not smoke or use other tobacco products on CSHP owned or leased property and during paid work time.

  • Tobacco use will not be permitted:

1)On any part of the properties owned or leased by CSHP including parking lots and sidewalks adjacent to/surrounding buildings occupied by CSHP.

Specific Examples:

  • Atrium - Prohibited areas include: All parking garage levels (P1, P2, P3) and the sidewalks in front of the Antlers Hilton, Atrium, and First Bank buildings.
  • Medical Center Point – Prohibited areas include: All parking lots and surrounding sidewalks for buildings 1633, 1625, and the CSHP ASU.
  • West Colorado – Prohibited areas include: The entire parking lot between the 2020 W. Colorado building and the Catholic Church plus all surrounding sidewalks.

2)In any vehicle parked on CSHP owned or leased property.

3)In any vehicle owned or leased by CSHP.

  • This policy applies regardless of whether other tenants follow similar guidelines and whether adjacent sidewalks are public property.
  • In accordance with the CSHP Professional Dress Policy, strong odors of smoke or tobacco while at work are prohibited. Employees may be sent home to correct the situation. This time will be without pay.
  • The term “tobacco” includes but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, and pipe smoking.

PROCEDURE:

  • Candidates for employment will be informed of this policy both during the application/interview process and during the new employee orientation process.
  • Paid breaks/rest periods are compensated/on duty time. Employees may not use tobacco products while on paid breaks. Because CSHP is required by Colorado Law to provide paid breaks/rest periods, employeescan not elect to take their breaksas unpaid time.
  • Employees usingtobacco products off CSHP premises before or after work or during unpaid meal periods are:
  • Expected to be respectful of residents near CSHP facilities by not loitering in front of homes/businesses and by discarding tobacco products responsibly.
  • Responsible for their personal hygiene – and for ensuring no strong smoke odors emanate from their clothing while on duty. (Please see CSHP Professional Dress Policy).
  • Tobacco use cessation assistance and referrals will be provided to employees who wish to stop using tobacco. Employees may contact the CSHP Health Management Department for further information.
  • Enforcement of the Tobacco-Free Policy will be the responsibility of all employees, management, and physicians. Those who refuse to comply with CSHP policy shall be reported immediately to Security or a member of management.
  • If an employee repeatedly violates the policy, he/she may be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.

This policy does not constitute a contract. CSHP reserves the right to change, alter or delete any policy/guideline at any time without prior notice. Interpretation of this policy is the responsibility of the Human Resource Services Director. If at any time you have questions regarding a procedure or guideline, you are responsible for contactingthat individual for clarification.

C:\Documents and Settings\Linda Sommervold\My Documents\WORD\MISC\GUIDELIN\Tobacco Free Policy Final 8-9-10.doc

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