WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced a bill that would prohibit smoking at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health facilities. The legislation would repeal an antiquated 1992 law that requires the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to furnish and maintain designated indoor or outdoor smoking areas, including at VA hospitals and clinics.
“Requiring that VHA facilities become 100 percent smoke-free helps bring VHA standards on par with private sector facilities and better protects the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes and the healthcare workers who care for them,” said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), one of the bill’s co-sponsors.
“The focus of VA hospitals should be promoting the health and well-being of the veterans they care for. By making VA facilities across the country entirely smoke-free, this bipartisan bill would further protect the health of veterans who rely on the VA for care,” said Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), another co-sponsor.
This legislation is supported by several medical and public health organizations, including the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
If passed, the bill, lawmakers say, would help protect the health of veterans who rely on the VA for care, as well as the healthcare workers who care for them.
