Transmittal Notice 19-10
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this chapter is to revise and update the Indian Health Service (IHS) policy prohibiting the use of tobacco products in IHS-operated properties to protect the health, safety, and comfort of IHS employees, contractors, patients, and visitors. This policy also supports employees’ efforts to cease using tobacco products through a “Tobacco Cessation Program” or any effective similar program. It is recognized that this policy will require behavior modification on the part of individuals who use tobacco products.
The use of tobacco products is prohibited on all IHS-operated properties, unless such use is allowed under terms of the current lease. In all such cases, the lease terms will be renegotiated at the earliest opportunity to reflect a zero tolerance for the use of tobacco products. This includes IHS Headquarters, Area Offices, hospitals, health clinics/stations, and all other offices or facilities. All areas that were previously designated for outdoor smoking are hereby eliminated. The use of tobacco products is prohibited, in any form, at IHS-operated properties.
/Michael D. Weahkee/
RADM Michael D. Weahkee, MBA, MHSA
Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service
Principal Deputy Director
Indian Health Service
MATERIAL TRANSMITTED:
Part 5, Chapter 3, “Tobacco-Free Policy,” IHM.
MATERIAL SUPERSEDED:
Circular 06-03, “Tobacco-Free Policy,” Dated April 28, 2006
MANUAL MAINTENANCE:
Insert the attached copy of 5-3, “Tobacco-Free Policy,” IHM, including the chapter Table of Contents, in its place after 5-2, IHM. Remove Circular 06-03, “Tobacco-Free Policy” from your binders. Log and file this TN in sequential order.
Log and file this TN in sequential order.
Distribution: IHS-wide
Date: 07/17/2019
