Hospitals, Staff Counting Down To Smoke-Free Campuses

Publication Date: 2005-09-08

• Author:John L. Moore
• Publication:Morning News of NW Arkansas

Smokers across Arkansas have 30 days before they have to stamp out their cigarettes while standing outside hospital buildings.

A state law passed earlier this year, which takes effect Oct. 1, makes it illegal to smoke on the grounds or inside of hospitals and medical facilities owned by the hospitals. Private doctor's offices off hospital grounds are not subject to the law.

Patients, doctors, nurses and visitors will all be prevented from smoking on hospital grounds.

The smoke-free campus can provide some incentive for people to stop smoking, said Cambre Horne-Brooks, executive director of Northwest Arkansas Tobacco Free Coalition