Keating rejects some smoking rules, approves others

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Board of Health rules that would prohibit smoking in ambulances and public areas of hospitals and nursing homes were approved by Gov. Frank Keating Tuesday. <br><br>But Keating rejected

Tuesday, April 2nd 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Board of Health rules that would prohibit smoking in ambulances and public areas of hospitals and nursing homes were approved by Gov. Frank Keating Tuesday.

But Keating rejected two other smoking guidelines that he said conflict with state law: Rules that would prohibit smoking at adult care centers and birthing centers.

Keating said he is still studying other Board of Health rules that would prohibit smoking in most enclosed areas, including restaurants. The governor has until next month to make a decision.

``This is a serious public health issue and I will look carefully at doing what we can to reduce the public's exposure to smoking,'' the governor said.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Leslie Beitsch praised the governor.

``This is an important step forward as we work with the governor and the legislature to eliminate the public's involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke,'' Beitsch said.

However, Keating said he is concerned about prohibiting smoking in facilities with limited public access as well as the constitutional issue of whether the Board of Health or the Legislature has the authority to control where smoking is permitted.

A legislative committee that has been studying the smoking rules was scheduled to vote Tuesday on whether to recommend that they be disapproved.

A separate committee voted on Monday to prohibit smoking in the state Capitol except in designated areas that have separate ventilation.

The Board of Health adopted the smoking rules last month to reduce Oklahomans' exposure to secondhand smoke, which studies have shown contain harmful chemicals that can pose a serious health risk.

Smoking-related illnesses are the leading cause of preventable death in Oklahoma, which ranks ninth in the nation in deaths from tobacco-related illnesses.

Keating said he supports a prohibition on smoking at adult care and birthing centers but that the Smoking in Public Places Act allows facilities to provide nonsmoking areas. The Board of Health rules would prohibit smoking in all areas of the facilities.

``Secondhand smoke exposure to nonsmokers is a serious health risk,'' Keating said. ``However, a non-elected board cannot change existing law.

``I would urge the Board of Health or the Legislature to examine these issues to see if rules can be developed to comply with the statute or if the statute can be changed to accommodate these rules,'' Keating said.

Keating said the rules that he approved are not in conflicts with existing law.

The rules would prohibit smoking in ambulances and in public areas of assisted living facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and residential care homes. Indoor smoking rooms can be provided in each facility as long as they are not available to the public.