UTMB HANDBOOK OF OPERATING PROCEDURES

Section 2 General Administrative Policies and Services Subject 2.9 No Smoking Policy 2.9.1 No Smoking Policy

01/01/90 - Originated 12/09/04 - Reviewed w/changes -Reviewed w/o changes President's Office -Author

No Smoking Policy

Audience

This policy applies to all UTMB employees, faculty, staff, students, patients and visitors.

Policy

As a health care organization, UTMB has a responsibility and is committed to maintain a healthy environment for everyone who works and visits the institution. For the health of all employees, students, patients and visitors, smoking is prohibited on all campus ground and in on-campus buildings and in off-campus buildings either owned or leased by UTMB. The institution operates a smoking cessation program, Commit to Quit, to assist smokers in breaking the cycle of nicotine addiction. http://www.utmb.edu/hp/commit_to_quit_program_overview.htm The institution communicates this policy via campus signage conspicuously posted on building entrance doors, in lobbies, elevators, restrooms and other areas of public access. All employees are encouraged to remind visitors to the campus who violate this policy that UTMB is a no smoking facility. Smoking is prohibited for UTMB employees who are working at UTMB sponsored events.

Employee Violations – On Campus Grounds

First Offense: Human Resources will send a notification of the violation to the employee’s supervisor to inform them that a violation has occurred. This notice will serve as documentation for the progressive disciplinary process that will occur upon further violations. It is expected that the supervisor will counsel the employee regarding the serious nature of this violation to ensure that they understand the ramifications of their actions. The employee’s name will also be sent to the institutional smoking cessation program so that they may follow up and provide assistance to the employee. Second Offense: Human Resources will send a notification of the second violation that occurs to the employee’s supervisor and departmental Human Resources consultant. Upon receipt of this notification, the two will determine the disciplinary action that will occur. .

Employee Violations – On Campus Grounds, continued	Third Offense: A third violation that occurs will result in an automatic 3-day suspension without pay. Any subsequent violations will result in progressive 5, 10 and 30 day suspension with the possibility of termination.
Employee Violations – In UTMB Facilities	The institution has a zero-tolerance for employees who violate the no smoking policy in all campus and off-campus buildings either owned or leased by UTMB. As such, the following disciplinary actions will be taken when violations occur. First Offense: Employees found to be smoking anywhere inside an institutional building will receive an automatic 5 day suspension without pay. The supervisor will counsel the employee in writing regarding the serious nature of this violation to ensure that they understand the ramifications of their actions. The employee’s name will also be sent to the institutional smoking cessation program so that they may follow up and provide assistance to the employee. Second Offense: Employees found to be in violation of this policy for the second time will receive an automatic 10 day suspension without pay. Third Offense: Employees found to be in violation of this policy for a third time will receive an automatic 30 day suspension without pay with the possibility of termination.
Student Violations	The institution has a zero-tolerance for students who violate the no smoking policy anywhere in its buildings or on campus grounds. As outlined in IHOP 7.1.3, Student Conduct and Discipline, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against a student who commits a violation of a UTMB rule or regulation. www.utmb.edu/policy/ihop/search/07-01-03.pdf
Patient and Visitor Violations	Campus police will inform patients and visitor who are found to be smoking in any UTMB facility or on campus grounds of this institutional policy. Patients and visitors who refuse to abide by the policy will be asked to leave the campus.

Reporting Violations

Campus Police will take an active role in monitoring and reporting employees found in violation of this policy to Human Resources. It is the responsibility of all supervisors to report employees who they find violating this policy and to enforce the stated disciplinary actions that are to occur with each offense described in this policy.