In Recovery and Tobacco Free!
The King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) believes that consumers should receive services in environments that model healthy lifestyles and that individuals are free from all harmful, addictive substances including tobacco, vapor, and secondhand smoke. The intent is to establish environments that promote health and wellness, to support individuals seeking recovery, and to decrease harms due to secondhand smoke.
Since January 1, 2012, BHRD has required that Contractors provide treatment for tobacco on tobacco-free grounds. Refer to the King County webpage, BHRD General Program Requirements, for current tobacco cessation requirements.
Provider Self-Assessment Tool
To assist BHRD Contractors in developing and/or enhancing their tobacco-free policies and procedures, the following questions are provided for your organization to use as a self-assessment tool:
- Does your organization have current written policies and procedures which define the facility, vehicles, and grounds that are tobacco-free?
If so, how does your organization inform staff, visitors and new consumers about these tobacco-free policies and procedures? Do the policies and procedures address all property that is within your organization’s control?
- Does your organization prohibit all persons from bringing tobacco products and paraphernalia into the facility and/or grounds?
If so, is there signage that clearly defines your organization as being tobacco-free? Do staff smoke and/or use other tobacco products in a location that is visible to others in your facility or on the facility’s grounds? What is your organization’s policy and procedures if tobacco is used or seen in the facility or on the facility’s grounds?
- Are staff required to receive training on tobacco use and nicotine dependence?
If so, does this include all staff including clinical, non-clinical, administrative, and volunteers? Have all staff received training on tobacco use and treatment, including front line staff? (Note: See next section for training resources.)
- Are staff prohibited from using tobacco products while at work, during work hours?
If so, what is your organization’s policy and procedures when an employee violates the policy? Are cessation services offered through the employer’s insurance plan?
- Are tobacco use prevention and cessation integrated into treatment services being provided?
If so, does your organization distribute literature educating consumers on tobacco use prevention and cessation? Does your organization offer treatment specifically for nicotine addiction or have a referral process for tobacco cessation services? Do staff offer or refer consumers to treatment for tobacco cessation if they are interested in quitting? Are tobacco use and cessation questions included on intake and assessment forms? How and when is the organization’s Smokerlyzer being used?
- Overall, how well does your organization adhere to its tobacco-free policies and procedures?
Are there signs conspicuously posted? Is there evidence of tobacco use, such as tobacco smoke/odors, cigarette butts or other paraphernalia, in the facility or on the grounds under your organization’s control? What is your organization’s policy when an employee, consumer, or visitor violates the policy? Is this policy enforced? If so, how?
Provider Technical Assistance
Below is a list of resources available that can assist you and your organization with the development, enhancement and/or enforcement of your tobacco-free policies and procedures.
Relias Learning has available the “In Recovery & Tobacco Free!” and “Smokerlyzer” trainings.
RCW 70.160 prohibits smoking in most public places and workplaces and requires that smoking occur a sufficient distance from entrances, exits, windows, and air intakes to insure that smoke does not enter a protected space.
In 2010, the King County Board of Health passed Title 19.12 which prohibits the use of electronic nicotine devices in public places and places of employment.
Tobacco Free Toolkit for Community Health Facilities
Destination Tobacco Free 2013 Update
DIMENSIONS: Tobacco Free Toolkit for Healthcare Providers
DIMENSIONS: Well Body Toolkit for Healthcare Providers
DIMENSIONS - Tobacco Free Toolkit SUPPLEMENT: Pregnant and Postpartum
DIMENSIONS - Tobacco Free Toolkit SUPPLEMENT: Youth
Rx For Change Teaching Materials
Public Health – Seattle and King County’s Tobacco Prevention webpage
http://asiansmokersquitline.org/
GAIN Nicotine Use and Dependency Screening Tool
The NiCOdep Test
Want to be a part of the movement? Join the King County Tobacco Treatment Coalition today! Open to any human service provider in King County. Contact Sherry McCabe for more information on participating.
Other Professional Organizations:
Public Health Seattle & King County
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
Washington State Department of Health
Smoking Cessation Leadership Center
Other Resources
1-800-QUIT-NOW