Leland L. Fairbanks, M.D. Director, Office of
Continuing Education Clinical Support Center Indian Health Service 4212 N. 16th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Dear Lee:
The Arizona Public Health Association supports the adoption of resolutions on smoke free hospitals.
The Arizona Medical Association can be a very significant force in promoting smoke free hospitals. We endorse the resolution now before the Arizona Medical Association.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Nolan, M.D. President,
Arizona Public Health Association
THE ARIZONA MEDICAL -ASSOCIATION. INC
HOUSE OF DELEGATES Date 2/20/ 85
RESOLUTION
Introduced by ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE
Subject Smoke-Free Hospital Environment
iJ – ESOLVED,
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WHEREAS, A growing body of evidence Indicates that Involuntary smoking may pose a health hazard to the general population. Certain groups of patients who often find themselves In hospitals (e.g., those with chronic cardiovascular or pulmonary disease) are especially susceptible to the Ill effects of secondhand tobacco smoke; and
WHEREAS, Tobacco smoking in hospitals undermines air quality, harms smokers and nonsmokers, and increases fire danger and litter; and
WHEREAS, The Surgeon General and the American Medical Association have endorsed “A Smoke-Free Society by the Year 2000; 11 and
WHEREAS, The Arizona Lung Association, the Arizona Thoracic Society, the Arizona State Dental Association, the Arizona Nurses Association, the Arizona State Council of Hospital Pharmacists, the Arizona Soci ety for Respiratory Therapy, and the Arizona Coalition for Cost Effective Quality Health Care have expressed support for this con cept; and
WHEREAS, Physicians and other health professionals are the most qualified to serve as role models and educators in this effort; therefore, be it
THEREFORE: The Arizona Medical Association encourage Arizona hospitals, individually and through the· Arizona Hospital Association, to ban smoking in hospitals by all staff, employees, visitors, and patients, except for those inpatients who may be allowed to smoke by doctor’s order only In specially designed areas which minimize the possible effects of sidestream ·smoke.
103~1985_(1) Smoke free hospital environment (healthcare, public safety, tobacco)