Specifically residents may smoke for two hours after each meal in two designated smoke rooms supervised by staff.

Previously residents could smoke for one hour after each meal in the two supervised smoke rooms.

Oujiri attributed the change to new guidance received last month from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS), one of the governing bodies that regulate nursing homes.

The adjustment comes after a restrictive, campus-wide smoking policy went into effect July 2019, after an inspection of IVH by Veterans Administration officials.

They issued an Immediate Jeopardy report, mandating Oujiri and staff to immediately implement a new smoking policy.

The VA required Oujiri draw up the policy for review before they left the facility

Oujiri and team did, and it was approved by the VA.

The new procedures were put in place to ensure safety of residents who smoked, as well as the safety of other residents and staff.

The VA’s Immediate Jeopardy report did not require IVH to be smoke-free.

Oujiri said VA guidelines indicated staff and resident smokers were not singled out by the VA. Rather the new policy applies to all VA facilities nationwide.

“IVH believes our current policy balances the safety and needs for all residents with various regulations of governing organizations, such as the VA and CMS.”

The VA allocates a substantial amount of federal funds to IVH annually for facility construction and maintenance, resident care and a host of other initiatives.

Before the VA restrictions took effect, Oujiri said there were an estimated 70 smokers on campus.

Shortly after the new police went into effect, residents and staff who smoked were given assistance in managing smoking cessation programs and more.

“Our team did a great job leading with the support necessary to make changes,” Oujiri said. “Our mental health professionals on staff have been committed to our residents and staff who smoke and the American Lung Association came on campus twice and shared resources, did training and more.”

As a result, Oujiri estimated the number of smokers has decreased significantly, and some of those who do smoke have reduced their intake.

Oujiri said IVH is part of a national trend of health care facilities banning smoking.

“Our initial desire to transition the Iowa Veterans Home to a smoke-free environment was out of concern raised by the Immediate Jeopardy report issued by the VA,” he said. “It outlined concerns for the overall health and safety of all of our residents. Something to also note going forward, all new residents admitted to IVH after Jan. 1 this year will be tobacco-free. All current applicants have been contacted so that they may make their informed decision to pursue their residence at IVH.”

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com.