# Plain Language Summary: Veterans Health Administration Smoking Ban

This bill would ban smoking in all Veterans Health Administration (VA) facilities across the country. That means veterans, staff, and visitors wouldn't be allowed to smoke anywhere on the grounds of VA hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers run by the VA.

The rule would apply everywhere on VA property—inside buildings, outside in parking lots, and on any other part of the facility grounds. This is similar to smoking bans that already exist in many hospitals and government buildings. The goal is to protect veterans and staff from secondhand smoke exposure while they're receiving medical care or working at these facilities.

For veterans who smoke, this means they'd need to leave VA property entirely if they want to smoke during a medical appointment or visit. VA staff members who smoke would also need to go off-site during breaks. The bill doesn't appear to include any exceptions or designated smoking areas, so the ban would be complete across all VA facilities.

This type of policy is fairly common in healthcare settings, as medical organizations generally support smoke-free environments for health reasons. However, it could be an inconvenience for veterans and employees who use tobacco products and would need to plan accordingly when visiting or working at VA facilities.

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes.

Durbin, Richard J.

 <p>This bill prohibits smoking on the premises of any Veterans Health Administration facility. The bill defines smoking as the use of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes (i.e., the heating or combustion of tobacco), as well as the use of any electronic nicotine delivery system.</p>