Pillar FAQ's

General Questions
Pillar 1 -- Tobacco Use
Why does the CEO Cancer Gold Standard require "tobacco-free" worksites?

Tobacco use is the leading cause of death, disease, and disability. Tobacco-free worksites reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (a known carcinogen) and encourage tobacco users to quit or cut back. Having a tobacco-free worksite makes a statement that the organization is committed to the health of all those who work at or visit the worksite.
What is meant by “tobacco-free” worksite policies?

CEO Cancer Gold Standard ™ organizations must have a policy that designates all facilities and grounds owned, leased, or shared by the company as tobacco-free areas.  For leased or shared facilities, tobacco use should also be prohibited near the entrances.   The use of tobacco must be prohibited in all vehicles on company grounds, in all company-owned vehicles, regardless of their location, and it is recommended that tobacco use be prohibited at all company-sponsored events.  The policy should be communicated and must include procedures for enforcement.

The policy must be “tobacco-free” rather than “smoke-free” because all forms of tobacco use are harmful and can cause cancer.  Gold Standard organizations discourage the use of all tobacco products because they care about their employees’ health.

Does the tobacco-free worksite policy have to apply to all buildings and grounds?

Yes, the policy must apply to the entire worksite – both indoors and outdoors.  For leased or shared facilities, the use of tobacco must be prohibited near the entrances to all buildings. The exact distance (i.e. # of feet) will vary based upon individual circumstances. Providing designated areas for smoking or separately ventilated facilities does not meet the requirements of the CEO Cancer Gold Standard™.
Does the tobacco-free worksite policy have to apply to all employees?

Yes, it must apply to all US-based employees, at all sites and facilities, whether they are owned, leased or shared.  All current employees should be notified of the tobacco-free policy, and prospective employees should be made aware of the tobacco-free policy during the job interview process.  Temporary/ contract personnel as well as visitors to company sites should also be informed of the tobacco-free policy. 

Gold Standard organizations promote an integrated, positive message, incorporating the notion that “we care about your health” and “here are the programs and support we’re offering to help you stop using tobacco”.

What is “evidence-based” tobacco treatment?

Counseling and medications are considered to be evidence-based treatment for quitting the use of tobacco.  Medications include both prescription (Rx) medicines that are FDA-approved for the treatment of tobacco cessation, and also Over the Counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapies that have been approved and are considered effective for discontinuing tobacco use.
Which tobacco-cessation prescription (Rx) and OTC medicines must be covered at no cost to the employee?

The list of FDA-approved tobacco-cessation Rx and OTC medications is included in Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update. Note that this list will change as new medications are approved.
Do all health benefit plans have to provide coverage at no cost for evidence-based tobacco treatments?

Yes, all health benefit plans, whether self-insured or fully insured, including products such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), must include 100% coverage for tobacco-cessation counseling and medications (Rx and OTC).  No deductibles, no co-pays, and no co-insurance may apply. The only exception is out-of-network benefits under a Point of Service (POS) plan, as long as 100% coverage is available in network.  The definition of a “health benefit plan” may be expanded to include reimbursement accounts or any other third party vendor arrangement whereby employees receive 100% reimbursement for all evidence-based tobacco-cessation treatments.
What is meant by “workplace-based tobacco cessation initiatives”?

Examples include a Quit Line service, onsite smoking cessation classes, and onsite support groups.   Gold Standard employers organization must have onsite programs or promote programs that help employees discontinue the use of tobacco.  An organization must demonstrate that it has made a concerted effort to offer programs to help employees quit the use of tobacco.  Over time, it is expected that a Gold Standard employer would be able to demonstrate that its programs are successful, i.e. that the number of tobacco users is reduced as a result of the program.
Pillar 2 -- Diet & Nutrition
Pillar 3 -- Physical Activity
Pillar 4 -- Prevention, Screening & Early Detection
Pillar 5 -- Access to Quality Treatment & Clinical Trials

GOLD STANDARD FOCUS

Read Dr. Leonard Berry’s powerful remarks to the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, September 11, 2009, Philadelphia, PA.
Employers of Choice Attacking Cancer


Learn how CEOs are making a difference in the lives of their employees by implementing the CEO Cancer Gold Standard.  Listen to what employees are saying about the Gold Standard in Their Own Voices.


Brochure.pngLearn much more about the Gold Standard by reading The Evidence and The Benefits to Your Organization. 

Did You Know?

Secondhand smoke (SHS) contains numerous human carcinogens for which there is no safe level of exposure.