The VA will begin implementing a smoke-free policy for employees in all VA health care facilities in October 2019. This policy is a continuation of the implementation of a national VA smoke-free policy that applies to all patients, visitors, contractors, volunteers, and vendors. The new policy is effective October 1, 2019, and each VA facility will independently determine the disposition of current smoking areas. Together, the two policies are designed to create a safer and healthier environment for patients by preventing exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke. The smoke-free policies will apply to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and e-cigars, and vape pens.