The VA Hospitals have a unique challenge in trying to implement smoke-free facilities. According to an amendment to the Veterans Health Bill (H.R.5192) which was passed on October 1, 1992, the VA hospitals must provide areas for those patients who use tobacco products. This amendment was proposed by Representative Harley Staggers of West Virginia to the veterans health bill to permit easy access to cigarettes and to smoking lounges in Veterans Administration hospitals. According to the language of the bill, it..."Empowers each person who is a patient or resident in a Department medical facility with the right, consistent with medical requirements and limitations, to use tobacco products. This bill directs the Secretary, in implementing such rights, to ensure that each Department facility maintain a suitable patient indoor smoking area and provide access to such areas for patients and residents desiring to use tobacco products."

Until this amendment is changed or repealed, the VA hospitals will not be able to enforce a strictly "smoke free" environment for their employees and patients.