Policy Development
An internal policy, based on the SFOA, can provide staff and residents with the information they need to understand why and how their facility is implementing the provisions and regulations of the SFOA.
A policy that is designed well and implemented effectively can positively influence the way people live and the choices they make. Policies can encourage healthier choices and discourage unhealthy ones.
Section Contents: How to Develop a Policy
Policy Content Checklist
Sample Policy
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How to Develop a Policy
Before drafting a policy, it is important to get Senior Management approval for the policy development initiative. Once approval has been granted, proceed through the following steps:
1. Identify the reasons why your LTC Home needs a smoke-free policy
For example:
• To outline any changes that must be implemented in order to comply with the SFOA
• To clarify implementation procedures
• To encourage and ensure equal treatment for staff
• To encourage and ensure respect for residents
2. Gather a committee that is representative of your facility
Include Human Resource (HR) staff, management, union and non-union members, front-line nursing staff, physicians, recreation staff, occupational health and safety representatives, custodians, pharmacy staff, residents, and family.
Limit your committee to a maximum of 12 people.
3. Circulate articles for background reading
Provide a literature review and a case study. Both can be found in the Smoke-Free Long-Term Care Homes Manual, available in the Toolkit section.
4. Hold committee meetings
• Present SFOA legislation
• Brainstorm issues that the SFOA will raise within your LTC Home
• Present cases from similar facilities that have gone smoke-free
• Establish the goal of the policy - e.g. to help your LTC Home go smoke-free indoors, to facilitate a Controlled Smoking Area (CSA), or to go completely smoke-free on all facility property
• Develop a policy outline
• Develop a draft policy and gather input from other staff and residents
• Develop an education plan for staff (See the Communication, Education and Treatment Plans section of the Toolkit
• Develop a communication plan for staff, residents, families and other stakeholders (See the Communication, Education and Treatment Plans section of the Toolkit
• Request Senior Management approval for the policy, education plan and communication plan
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Policy Content Checklist
To help you through the policy development process, refer to the Policy Content Checklist (available in Word and PDF). Review each content item and add policy recommendations for your LTC Home.
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Sample Policy
A Sample Policy (available in Word Word and PDF) is also available for your reference.
Please note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read some of these files. For a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here.