Morro Bay Recovery

Tobacco Cessation Policy

Purpose

In compliance with Behavioral Health Information Notice No. 22-024 (BHIN 22-024) and Assembly Bill 541 (AB 541), this policy outlines the procedures and practices for addressing tobacco use disorder among clients at Morro Bay Recovery, a licensed and/or certified substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility in California. This policy aims to promote health, enhance recovery outcomes, and reduce the use of tobacco products among clients.

Policy

Morro Bay Recovery is committed to assessing, educating, and supporting clients in addressing tobacco use disorder as part of their comprehensive treatment plan. This includes providing information, recommending treatment, offering resources, and, when necessary, making referrals for tobacco cessation services.

Procedures

1. Initial Assessment

  • All clients will be assessed for tobacco use disorder during the initial intake process using evidence-based guidelines, including questions recommended in the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) under Tobacco Use Disorder.
  • The assessment will be documented using the updated Client Health
    Questionnaire and Initial Screening Questions (DHCS 5103) form or equivalent.

2. Education

  • Clients will be informed about the risks of continued tobacco use, including how it may impact their long-term success in recovering from substance use disorders.
  • Educational materials and counseling on the health benefits of quitting tobacco will be provided.

3. Treatment Recommendation

  • If a client is identified with tobacco use disorder, the facility will include a
    recommendation for tobacco cessation in their individualized treatment plan.

4. Tobacco Cessation Services

  • The facility will offer treatment for tobacco use disorder, consistent with its licensing and certification.
  • Treatment options may include:
    Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
    Prescription medications for tobacco cessation Behavioral counseling
  • If the facility is unable to provide such services, clients will be referred to appropriate resources, such as Kick It California or other evidence-based tobacco cessation programs.

5. Referrals

  • Referrals will include information about accessible resources, including Medi-Cal-covered benefits for tobacco cessation medications and support services.

6. Tobacco-Free Campus

  • Morro Bay Recovery maintains a tobacco-free campus policy. Use of tobacco products, including smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco, is prohibited on the premises.
  • Signage will be posted, and all clients, visitors, and staff will be informed of this policy.

7. Training and Staff Support

  • Staff will receive regular training on tobacco cessation best practices, assessment tools, and how to integrate tobacco cessation into treatment plans.
  • Compliance and Monitoring
    The facility will ensure compliance with BHIN 22-024 by conducting regular reviews of client intake processes, treatment plans, and referrals.
  • Any non-compliance may be subject to corrective action, including updating procedures and retraining staff.

Resources

  • Kick It California: Free support for quitting tobacco. Website: https://kickitca.org
  • Medi-Cal: Coverage for tobacco cessation medications and treatments.

Feel free to contact us for any reason and if you have any questions, concerns, or requests.

Contact Information

Morro Bay Recovery
2460 Main Street,
Morro Bay, California, 93442
+1 (805) 772-2212