Environment of Care (EC) (Critical Access Hospitals / Critical Access Hospitals)
Electronic Cigarettes - Health Care Occupancy
Publish | January 01, 0001
What are the requirements for electronic cigarettes?
In accordance with standard EC.02.01.03, The Joint Commission environment of care standards prohibits smoking, regardless of the type of smoking (tobacco, electronic, etc.). There are provisions for allowing smoking in specific circumstances, which may include a designated smoking room with appropriate exhaust and fire safety features. These locations are to be physically separated from care, treatment and service areas. The goal is to manage the smoke in the environment (regardless if it is tobacco smoke or smoke from the electronic cigarette). Fire safety is also a concern in the environment of care. EC.02.03.01 states that “if patients are permitted to smoke, the organization takes measures to minimize fire risk (see also EC.02.01.03).” The issue is smoking as a source of ignition, and does not distinguish from a tobacco-based or other smoking process. The organization should include electronic cigarettes in their smoking policy. Electronic cigarettes, which typically contain lithium type batteries used to generate heat, could be a fire hazard. If people see electronic cigarettes used, and are not aware of their uniqueness, they may assume that smoking conventional cigarettes is allowed. Organizational image is also an important factor. [EC.02.01.03]
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