Politics & Government

Martins Hospital Anti-Smoking Bill Awaits Gov's Approval

American Lung Association of the Northeast applauds legislation.

The following article was posted by Geoffrey Walter. It was written by Rich Jacques.

A bill to prohibit smoking on and around hospital grounds and nursing homes throughout the state of New York was given final legislative passage by the state Senate last week.  

According to the provisions of the bill, which awaits the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, smoking will be prohibited on hospital campus grounds and within 15 feet of the property lines of hospitals and nursing homes.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, D-Rockland, and Sen. Jack Martins, R-Mineola, was passed by the Assembly earlier this week. The legislation will now go to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his consideration. 
 
 “The facts are clear--secondhand smoke kills,” said Martins. “Health care facilities are the places we go to get treatment, heal and recover from serious illnesses.   They should not be the place where our health concerns start or are worsened.  Hospitals are also the places that should be setting the best example of positive health practices. By banning smoking on hospital grounds and at other health care facilities, this bill will protect those living in, working at and visiting these facilities from exposure to the dangers of secondhand smoke.”

The dangers of secondhand smoke are well documented. Secondhand smoke lingers in the air hours after cigarettes have been extinguished and can cause or exacerbate a wide range of adverse health effects. The smoke can trigger asthma episodes and can potentially increase the risk of heart attack.  Secondhand smoke exposure is responsible for 2,500 deaths in the state of New York annually, according to the American Lung Association of the Northeast.

More than 100 hospitals across the state have adopted voluntary policies prohibiting smoking on their grounds. The legislation would standardize the policy and the enforcement mechanism and cover all hospitals in the state. 

"No one should be forced to walk through a toxic cloud of tobacco smoke in order to receive health care at their hospital or while trying to recuperate or stay well at a residential health care facility,” said Jeff Seyler, president and CEO at the American Lung Association of the Northeast. 

The bill would take effect in 90 days after being signed by Cuomo.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here