SECTION 310:641-1-4. Purpose, authority and indoor tobacco smoke

(a)   The purpose of this section is to establish a prevention program for several non-communicable diseases, which will improve the health of Oklahomans by eliminating exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and its deadly effects. This section abates the public health nuisance of secondhand smoke under the authority of the Commissioner of Health as specified under Section 1-106(b)(1) of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes. This section also further specifies how compliance with the Smoking in Public Places Act will be accomplished. [63 O.S. §§ 1-1521 et seq.]

(b)   The Commissioner of Health has conducted a study and is recommending these measures to the Board of Health under his authority as stated in section 1-106 of the Public Health Code. [63 O.S. § 1-106] The Board has the authority to establish prevention programs for non-communicable disease and to promulgate rules for the control of causative or toxic substances, which can cause disease under section 1-502b of the Public Health Code. [63 O.S. § 1-502b] The Board is adopting this rule under its authority in sections 1-104 and 1-1526 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes. [63 O.S. §§ 1-104 & 1-1526]

(c)   Smoking or possessing a lighted tobacco product is prohibited in an ambulance or stretcher aid van.

[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 2087, eff 7-1-02]