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SALINA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas hospital has found a sure-fire way to get patients to observe its no-tobacco rule: They're being sent home.
Salina Regional Health Center and its other properties, including eight Salina clinics and Lindsborg Community Hospital, have been tobacco-free since January 2007, but some patients continue to sneak cigarettes or chew tobacco, said David Moody, vice president for human resources.
New rules implemented last month are meant to strengthen the mandate against tobacco use.
Patients are told that violators will be discharged and considered to have left against medical advice. A nurse will remove the intravenous tube if they have one; tests and treatments will cease and the patient will be instructed to call for a ride home, The Salina Journal reported (http://bit.ly/1m0BFYU ).
Some patients have already been ousted, Moody said, adding that he was uncertain if there's a procedure to readmit those who agree to follow the rules.
"I've got to believe it's one strike and you're out, but I cannot be sure about that," Moody said. "I know that in the information provided to the patient, that is made very clear to them up front."
Nicotine patches or nicotine gum are allowed, he said, but the use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes is banned regardless of a doctor's orders.
Rules are clear for patients, Moody said, but "we have not made a decision on visitors and family friends."
He said that, without being confrontational, hospital staff will ask them to respect the policy.
"Patients have had seven years to adjust to this, and we're finally saying that we are going to hold to our values that we are a health care organization," Moody said. "Our intent is to return you to a state of health."
Salina Regional employees have until Jan. 1 to cease the use of tobacco products during their shifts. Cessation assistance, including prescription help, is being offered for free until then, Moody said.
"We want to give them time to adjust to this policy," Moody said. "We want to provide them the opportunity to kick the habit."
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Information from: The Salina (Kan.) Journal, http://www.salina.com
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