Human Resources Management Policy

Policy 49

NOTE: THIS POLICY, LIKE ALL OTHER MUSC HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES, IS NOT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. THIS POLICY MAY BE CHANGED AT ANY TIME BY THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

1. RATIONALE

The purpose of this policy is to minimize the risk of fire, provide a healthy environment, eliminate the effects of passive smoke, and encourage good health habits within all MUSC facilities.

2. INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

Smoking by any employee (faculty and staff), patient, student, volunteer, contractor or visitor is prohibited in all buildings and spaces either leased or owned by the Medical University, (including but not limited to elevators, restrooms, shuttle buses, meeting rooms, classrooms, hallways, lobbies, and other common areas) except in outside designated smoking shelters/areas with signage.

1. Employees (faculty and staff):
   1. Employees who wish to smoke may do so in outside designated smoking shelters/areas during their regularly scheduled break times. Employees should not be given additional “breaks” for the purpose of smoking.
   2. Smoking is prohibited in all clinical or support departments that interact with or service patients.
   3. Smoking is prohibited in all Ambulatory Care facilities.
   4. Individuals enrolled in smoking research and/or treatment programs are permitted to smoke in controlled conditions (with appropriate ventilation).
   5. Managers and supervisors are responsible for communicating and enforcing smoking regulations for all employees. Employees who are found in violation will be disciplined in accordance with the Human Resources Management Policy No. 45, Disciplinary Action.
   6. New employees will be instructed on the Smoke-Free policy during new employee orientation.
   7. Smoking cessation classes will be offered periodically for MUSC employees.
2. Patients, Students, Volunteers, Contractors, Visitors
   1. Smoking will be allowed in outside designated smoking shelters/areas marked by signage.
   2. All cigarette remains must be disposed of in ash containers.

   MUSC Department of Public Safety and Medical Center Security staff will be primarily responsible for reporting violations of this policy to the appropriate manager or supervisor, but employees are also expected to assume leadership roles, both by example and by reminding those smoking of the outside designated areas.

3. DESIGNATED SMOKING SHELTERS/AREAS
   1. Basic Science Building - Smoking shelter on the north side of the building near the Children’s Research Institute and the loading dock.
   2. Charleston Memorial Hospital – Smoking area in courtyard (currently in use by employees).
   3. Education/Library Building – Smoking shelter on the north side in the parking lot between the Education/Library and Basic Science Buildings.
   4. Harborview Office Tower – Smoking shelter west side (Ashley River side) near the parking garage exit.
   5. Institute of Psychiatry – Smoking area behind building near the loading dock (currently in use by employees).
   6. Main Hospital – Smoking shelter in the herb garden in front of the Main Hospital/Emergency Room entrance.
   7. Research Building – Smoking area behind building (currently in use by employees).
   8. Rutledge Tower – Smoking area located behind the building under covered pavilion attached to building (currently in use by employees).
   9. Strom Thurmond/Gazes Building – Smoking area on east side of building (currently in use by employees).