Chair:

CDR Frances R. Jensen, MD (frances.jensen@cms.hhs.gov)

Office:  410-786-2252

USPHS First Uniformed Service to go Tobacco-free in Uniform

On June 21, 2013, the Surgeon General updated the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps Uniforms and Appearance Policy. This policy contained new language which prohibits Commissioned Corps officers from using tobacco products while in uniform starting January 1, 2014.

As a result of this new policy, the USPHS Commissioned Corps had the distinction of becoming the first Uniformed Service to prohibit tobacco use while in uniform. This significant achievement coincided with the 50th Anniversary of the first Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, released in January 1964. Fifty years after the release of this landmark report, remarkable progress has been made; however, tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the United States. We are so proud that the USPHS Commissioned Corps continues to lead in the fight against tobacco use with this important new policy. 

For more information please click here.

To learn more about PHS Officers "Tobacco" behavior, please click here.