|
![<{$map[0].NAME}>](/triton/defaults/images/right_health.jpg)
|
 |
Contact | A-Z Health Index | Events & Meetings |
|
||
|
Frequently Asked Questions 1. Question: My state agency leases space in a building that has many other leased offices occupied by businesses that are not state agencies. What boundaries of this property or building must be in compliance with the Executive Order? Answer: A state agency that is located on property shared with other agencies or businesses can comply with Executive Order 2012-01 by implementing a tobacco-free policy for the parts of the property that are under its control. The use of any tobacco products would be prohibited within the boundaries of the office space and other areas that are under the state agency’s control (including any hallways, entrances or outdoor areas under its control) and in the agency’s state vehicles. Shared areas and common areas in a shared building typically would not be under the sole control of the state agency. Answer: Yes, as well as any other form of tobacco use.
Answer: Contractors conducting business on state property would be subject to the tobacco-free policy the same as anyone else on state property.
Answer: Many state owned colleges and universities are already smokefree. We are working with all the state owned colleges and universities to have policies in place to be completely tobacco free by August 6, 2012. The state owned colleges and universities should be in compliance with the executive order by August 6, 2012.
Answer: An implementation guide was mailed to all state agencies and is also available on the OSDH webpage at this link: http://www.ok.gov/health/Organization/Tobacco-Free_State_Properties.html. The guide contains Executive Order 2012-1, an implementation checklist, a sample agency tobacco-free policy, a sample letter to employees, cessation resources, and signage information. For the initial implementation of this new statewide policy, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust will provide basic starter signage and decals for all state agencies covered by the Executive Order. Education and awareness cards will also be available to distribute to employees and clientele. Any questions you may have or requests for technical assistance may be directed to: onlyair@health.ok.gov by email or 1-866-665-9247 (1-866-Only-Air) by phone.
Answer: The Tobacco-Free State Properties Implementation Guide provides information on supporting your employees, partners and visitors on pages 15-18 including a description of the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and how it works, nicotine replacement products, and how to access the Helpline by phone, web, and text. The guide may be found at this link: http://www.ok.gov/health/Organization/Tobacco-Free_State_Properties.html.
Answer: Those who register to receive Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline services (such as working with a Quit Coach) may receive a 2-week Nicotine Replacement Therapy starter kit, and up to an 8-week supply of NRT (patches, gum or lozenges) based on eligibility.
Answer: Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline materials may be requested from the Oklahoma State Department of Health by completing this form. This may be submitted electronically by clicking on the “Submit” button in the upper right corner of the form or printed and faxed or mailed. The materials, such as tips for quitting cards and consumer information cards, are free-of-charge.
Answer: It is up to each agency to determine the mechanism used to implement and enforce the tobacco ban on state property. While there are no penalties outlined in the Governor’s order for an individual’s non-compliance with the ban, there are other means by which an agency can approach violators and encourage their compliance. These include educational ‘palm cards’, or ‘business cards’ which can be handed out to educate individuals on the purpose and intent of the ban. Similar tools are in development by OSDH, and should be available soon. If the non-compliant individual is a state employee, the agency can commence with employee disciplinary proceedings as outlined in agency policy and procedures. 10. Question: Are tobacco cessation products covered by insurance? Answer: Some cessation products are covered for state employees through their insurance provider. For example, HealthChoice provides two 90-day courses of prescription tobacco cessation products each plan year covered at 100% with no cost to members. Also, HealthChoice participants are eligible for quit coaching, and up to 12 weeks of patches or gum, or 8 weeks of lozenges at no cost to members through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH). This latter coverage is possible through a partnership with the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. Benefits can be verified through HealthChoice Member Services by calling 1-405-717-8780 or toll-free at 1-800-752-9475. TDD users call 1-405-949-2281 or toll-free 1-866-447-0436. Information may also be available online at www.sib.ok.gov or www.healthchoiceok.com. HMO coverage, including Community Care OK, GlobalHealth, and United Healthcare also cover prescription tobacco cessation products and refer participants to the OTH. Over the counter (OTC) medications are not covered (patches, gum, lozenges). HMO members are eligible for quit coaching through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH) as well as a two week starter kit of patches, gum or lozenges. To verify HMO benefits please contact your specific insurance carrier.
Please always consult with your physician and insurance provider for specific benefit coverage information to determine the availability of insurance coverage for tobacco cessation products. For additional information on cessation resources see pages 15-17 in the Tobacco-Free State Properties Implementation Guide. Tobacco-Free State Properties Implementation Guide
|
||
 |
||
|
Copyright ©
State of Oklahoma
|
||