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University, hospital's smoke-free policy goes into effect The purpose of the new smoke-free policy for both hospital and university 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.   Effective Jan. 1, 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 MUSC (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.   The policy is consistent with the state’s Clean Indoor Act (CIA) of 1990, which states that “it is unlawful for a person to smoke or possess lighted smoking material in any form” in public indoor areas, including schools, government buildings and medical facilities, “except where smoking is designated.” A misdemeanor offense, violators of the CIA could face a fine of at least $10 or no more than $25 upon conviction. Employees (faculty and staff) 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. Smoking is prohibited in all clinical or support departments that interact with or service patients. Smoking is prohibited in all Ambulatory Care facilities. Individuals enrolled in smoking research and/or treatment programs are permitted to smoke in controlled conditions (with appropriate ventila-tion). 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. New employees will be instructed on the smoke-free policy during new employee orientation. Smoking cessation classes will be offered periodically for MUSC employees. Patients, students, volunteers, contractors, visitors Smoking will be allowed in outside designated smoking shelters/areas marked by signage. 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. Locations of the designated smoking shelters/areas Basic Science Building—Smoking shelter on the north side of the building near the Children’s Research Institute and the loading dock. Charleston Memorial Hospital— Smoking area in courtyard (currently in use by employees). Education Center/Library Building— Smoking shelter on the north side in the parking lot between the Education/Library and Basic Science buildings. Harborview Office Tower—Smoking shelter west side (Ashley River side) near the parking garage exit. Institute of Psychiatry—Smoking area behind building near the loading dock (currently in use by employees). Main Hospital—Smoking shelter in the herb garden in front of the Main Hospital/Emergency Room entrance. Research Building—Smoking area behind building (currently in use by employees). Rutledge Tower—Smoking area located behind the building under covered pavilion attached to building (currently in use by employees). Strom Thurmond/Gazes Building —Smoking area on east side of building (currently in use by employees). The smoke-free policy may be viewed  online at http://www.musc.edu/hrm/policies/policy49.html or the Medical Center intranet at http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/policy/Med/A36.pdf.     Friday, Jan. 5, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.