S. 2171: To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility… (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as S. 2171, aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to establish a prohibition on smoking within any facility operated by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The key points of the bill are outlined as follows:

Prohibition on Smoking

Under the proposed legislation, smoking would be banned in all facilities of the Veterans Health Administration. This includes:

Medical centers
Nursing homes
Domiciliary facilities
Outpatient clinics
Counseling centers

The ban applies to all individuals present on the premises, including:

Veterans
Patients
Residents
Department employees
Contractors
Visitors

Definition of Smoking

The bill provides a specific definition of "smoking," which encompasses:

The use of traditional tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes.
The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Amendments to Existing Laws

The bill would amend existing regulations by updating Section 1715 of Title 38, which currently addresses smoking in VHA facilities. It would also include a clerical amendment to ensure that the new prohibition is correctly reflected in the table of sections at the beginning of Chapter 17 of Title 38.

Additionally, a previous provision regarding smoking in VHA facilities from the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 would be repealed to eliminate any conflicting regulations.

Enforcement and Implementation

The bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms, leaving it to appropriate authorities within the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine how to implement and monitor compliance with the smoking prohibition. The overarching goal is to enhance the health and well-being of veterans receiving care in VHA facilities.