SECTION 310:675-1-4. 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 a facility and within fifteen (15) feet of each entrance to a facility and of any air intakes; provided however, the facility may provide a smoking room available to the residents and their guests and another room available to the employees.

(d)   An indoor smoking room may be provided if:

(1)   It is completely enclosed;

(2)   It is exhausted directly to the outside and maintained under negative pressure sufficient to prevent any tobacco smoke from entering non-smoking areas of the building;

(3)   It allows for visual observation of the residents from outside of the smoking room; and

(4)   The plans are reviewed and approved by the Department.

(e)   To enable better observation and supervision of residents who wish to smoke outside, a facility may designate a smoking area outside an entrance other than the main entrance which may be closer than fifteen (15) feet to the entrance providing consideration is given to minimizing the possibility of smoke entering the building.

(f)   The walkway to the main entrance shall also be smoke free.

(g)   No ashtray shall be located closer than fifteen (15) feet to an entrance, except in an indoor smoking room or a designated outdoor smoking area under paragraph "c" above.

(h)   Should construction requirements not be in agreement with this rule, the stricter rule shall apply.

(i)   The facility's tobacco use policy shall be clearly posted near the main entrance, and prospective residents or their legal representatives shall be notified of the policy prior to the residents' acceptance for admission.

[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 2098, eff 7-1-02]