36C24619Q1101-002.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

RPO East, NCO 6 Hampton, VA. 23667

August 28, 2019

To the Interested Parties:

In striving to provide a healthy and safe environment at our facilities, VHA is implementing a smoke-free policy for all VHA health care facilities and property assigned to VHA that is under the charge and control of VA.

Under VHA Directive 1085, all VHA health care facilities (including CBOCs and HCCs) will be smoke-free for patients, visitors, contractors, volunteers, and vendors effective October 1, 2019.The policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or any other combustion of tobacco, including but not limited to electronic or e-cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigars.

Although VA has historically permitted smoking in designated areas, there is growing evidence that smoking and exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke creates significant medical risks, and risks to safety and direct patient care that are inconsistent with medical requirements and limitations.

Should you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Contract Specialist at (757) 726-6084 or Nicholas.Ruppert@va.gov

Sincerely, Contracting Officer https://vaww.va.gov/vhapublications/admin/ViewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=8424 mailto:Nicholas.Ruppert@va.gov