A new law has taken effect in New York State prohibiting smoking within 15 feet of a hospital or residential health care facility entrance or exit.  The law specifically permits smoking by “a patient or a visitor or guest of a patient of a residential health care facility” in a specially designated area on the grounds of a facility.    However, there is no such exemption for employees of a hospital or residential health care facility. 

Employers should ensure that their smoking policies account for this new law and employees are notified of any changes promptly.