Smoking policies and practices in a state-supported residential system for people with mental retardation.

Smoking policies and smoking practices of residents and employees in a state-supported residential system were investigated. Smoking policies existed in almost every agency, although state- and vendor-operated programs had vastly different policies. State-operated programs prohibited employees from smoking in residences and restricted residents who smoked to designated areas. One third of vendor-operated agencies allowed residents and staff members to smoke in designated areas, whereas one quarter stipulated that residences be smoke-free. Smoking among employees was higher and among residents lower than in the general population. The feasibility of specific approaches to reduce passive smoking and attitudes and beliefs about human rights issues related to smoking are presented.