To assist you in enforcing the tobacco-free policy, make sure you have all policies and procedures mentioned in the compliance checklist.

Communications and compliance are closely related. The more time and effort spent on frequently communicating the policy in multiple ways and locations, the easier it will be to enforce the policy. Click here to see excerpts from an employee training video on how to approach people in violation of the policy.

"I am delighted to report that our first week as a tobacco free campus has been uneventful.  The excellent implementation plan and all of the support you provided has indeed made all the difference!" -Jan King Robinson Vice President, Albemarle Health

Compliance information for:

• Employees
• Patients
• Visitors

Factors that facilitate compliance include:

• Best Practices for Compliance
• Good signage and communication during the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases;
• Leadership and support shown by the hospital CEO and senior managers;
• Staff involvement and support on the hospital campus and in the community, click here to see excerpts from an employee training video on how to approach people in violation of the policy;
• Patience and perseverance as the community adapts to the change; &
• Recognition of staff members who assist with compliance.

Compliance Check List
This checklist is a compilation of the policies, procedures and communication you will need in place to effectively implement and enforce a tobacco-free campus, and support people in successfully quitting.

Compliance Phone Call
In a statewide telephone conference call, four NC hospitals shared their experiences regarding compliance with tobacco-free campus wide policies.  The recorded audio file and the summary contain useful information based on their years of experience.

The implementation of this policy will cause stress and anxiety for some of your employees, patients, and visitors. However,

FirstHealth of the Carolinas tobacco-free campus wide signage

• Most people understand the need for the policy and will support it.
• Many employees will reduce their use of tobacco, and some will successfully quit as a result of the policy.
• Everyone benefits from a hospital campus that is free of tobacco smoke and the harmful effects caused by exposure.
• In North Carolina it is becoming the norm that people do not use tobacco while on a hospital campus.
• Initial challenges that arise due to this policy will lessen with time.