US Legal Forms
Legal Resources
Questions & Answers
Smoking
Can a hospital prohibit smoking on nearby sidewalks?

Can a hospital prohibit smoking on nearby sidewalks?

Q: What is the OSHA regulation for smoking areas?

OSHA does not have specific regulations regarding smoking areas. However, employers must comply with local laws that may restrict smoking in the workplace. It's important for employers to create a safe environment, which may include designating specific smoking areas away from entrances and other public spaces.

Q: Can you smoke around a hospital?

Smoking around a hospital may be restricted by local laws. Many municipalities have ordinances that prohibit smoking within a certain distance from hospital entrances to protect patients and visitors from secondhand smoke. Always check local regulations to understand the specific rules in your area.

Q: Can a hospital stop you from going outside to smoke?

While hospitals can restrict smoking on their grounds, they typically cannot stop you from going outside to smoke if you are a patient. However, they may encourage you to refrain from smoking for health reasons and may have designated areas for smoking that comply with local laws.

Q: Can you go outside while in the hospital?

Yes, patients can usually go outside while in the hospital, but this may depend on their medical condition and hospital policies. It's best to check with hospital staff for any restrictions or guidelines regarding outdoor access, especially if you plan to smoke.

Full question:

Can someone or a hospital stop you from smoking on a sidewalk that is 75 to a 100 ft away from the entrances?

Category: Smoking
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Tennessee

Answer:

According to Tennessee law, certain cities can prohibit smoking on sidewalks near hospitals. Specifically, the law allows municipalities, counties, or metropolitan governments to enact ordinances that ban smoking on hospital grounds and in public areas immediately outside hospital buildings, including sidewalks.

Local regulations may restrict smoking up to fifty feet from a hospital's entrance. However, if this distance could endanger patients, the limit can be extended as needed for safety, as determined by the local government in consultation with the hospitals affected (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1551).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What can I do if my neighbor won't stop smoking?

If your neighbor's smoking bothers you, first try talking to them about it. If that doesn't work, check local ordinances regarding smoking in residential areas. You may also consider contacting your local health department or neighborhood association for guidance. In some cases, mediation services can help resolve disputes between neighbors.

What is the no smoking ordinance?

A no smoking ordinance is a local law that prohibits smoking in specific areas, such as public places, workplaces, or near certain facilities like hospitals. These ordinances aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. The specifics can vary by city or county, so it's important to check local regulations.

Can a hospital prohibit smoking on nearby sidewalks?

Full question:

Answer:

FAQs

What can I do if my neighbor won't stop smoking?

What is the no smoking ordinance?

What is the OSHA regulation for smoking areas?

Can you smoke around a hospital?

Can a hospital stop you from going outside to smoke?

Can you go outside while in the hospital?

Find a legal form that suits your needs

Related questions