Library: Policy

OKDHS:2-40-60. Tobacco-free environment

Revised 5-15-13

(a) Purpose.  The purpose of this Section is to eliminate all tobacco use whether located indoors or outdoors:

• (1) on property owned, leased, or contracted for Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) use;
• (2) in OKDHS owned or leased vehicles and in private vehicles used by OKDHS employees to transport clients or co-workers;
• (3) in facilities under OKDHS control and/or shared with other organizations;
• (4) in OKDHS owned or controlled parking lots; and
• (5) by OKDHS employees regardless of location, while providing client services.

(b) Authority.  The authority for a tobacco-free environment is the Governor's Executive Order number  2012-01 (.pdf, 2 pp, 114 KB) signed February 6, 2012.

(c) Applicability.  This Section applies to all employees, students, clients, visitors, contractors, and others conducting business on all OKDHS owned, leased, or occupied premises.

(d) Tobacco products and receptacles.  The use of tobacco products including, but not limited to cigarettes, pipes, electronic smoking devices, and smokeless tobacco is prohibited throughout all OKDHS owned or controlled, indoor and outdoor property areas.  Tobacco product receptacles, including ash cans near entryways, will be removed from all OKDHS properties.

(e) OKDHS boundaries.  OKDHS identifies the boundaries of its premises by:

• (1) posting the information for public reference;
• (2) providing notice of the tobacco-free environment policy with appropriate signage, including:
  • (A) signs at the public entrances to the premises; and
  • (B) other locations as needed.

(f) Education.  OKDHS utilizes printed materials and other communications to educate employees and all other persons using or visiting OKDHS premises regarding the tobacco-free environment policy.

(g) Tobacco use cessation.  OKDHS is committed to providing support to employees and other personnel who want to stop using tobacco products ensuring employees and, to the extent possible, other personnel have access to several types of assistance, including cessation medication and telephone counseling through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (Helpline) at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).  Management is encouraged to refer employees and other personnel to the Helpline.

(h) Noncompliance by employees.  Noncompliance by an OKDHS employee is cause for management intervention and may result in corrective or disciplinary action per OKDHS:2-1-7, OKDHS:2-1-12, and state personnel rules.

(i) Noncompliance by visitors and others.  Noncompliance by students, clients, visitors, contractors, and others conducting business with OKDHS may require law enforcement intervention.

(j) Annual review.  The OKDHS Support Services Division is responsible for annually reviewing the tobacco-free environment regulation.