SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 264

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sprenkle, May, D. Sommers, Ferguson, Valle, Lux, Allen, Rust, Walker, Brekke, Moyer, Brooks, Bumgarner, Dellwo, Brough, and Winsley)

Prohibiting use of tobacco products in health care facilities.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 26, 1987; April 2, 1987; February 18, 1988

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

AS OF FEBRUARY 12, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in public places except in designated smoking areas.  The designation of smoking areas in health care facility hallways, except in nursing homes, is not allowed unless the areas are physically separated from nonsmoking areas.

Local law enforcement agencies and local fire departments are responsible for enforcing the act as it relates to health care facilities.  Violations are enforced by warnings and citations under traffic infraction procedures and are punishable by a civil penalty of up to $100.

SUMMARY:

No person may smoke or chew tobacco in a health care facility or office, laboratory, clinic, hospital, child care facility or nursing home.  The prohibition includes places of business for health care practitioners.  Residents of hospitals and nursing homes are excluded from the prohibition to the extent that the facility allows smoking in the resident's or patient's room or in a designated smoking area.

Intentional violations of this act are subject to the enforcement provisions of the Clean Indoor Air Act.  Warning provisions are deleted and violations are subject to a penalty of up to $100.  Warning tickets are to be issued for the first six months after the effective date of the act. Local health department officials will enforce the act in health care facilities.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 12, 1988