Politics & Government

Push to Ban Smoking on Hospital Grounds Has Rockland Roots

Smokers in Rockland and New York State have seen a crusade in recent years to shrink the places they can light up—from train platforms to playgrounds to the Palisades Center mall, cigarette real estate has dried up.

Now, a new bill with roots in Rockland would prevent smokers from puffing anywhere on the grounds of hospitals or nursing homes.

The proposed legislation would curtail cigarette smoking within 15 feet of a building entrance or exit, or within 15 feet of the entrance to or exit from the grounds. Residential health care facilities would still be able to designate an outdoor smoking area, however.

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The bill, which has a cheering section that draws from both parties, is sponsored by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern).

"We know that secondhand smoke is a killer," Jaffee said. "How many times do we drive by a hospital or a nursing home, and see with shocked disbelief staff and patients smoking right outside the door. This legislation, when signed into law by the Governor, will ensure that hospitals and nursing homes are smoke free and 100 percent dedicated to protecting the public’s health."

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The bill is currently awaiting the approval of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and, if signed, would take effect 90 days later.


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