SustiNet Health Partnership

Tobacco & Smoking Cessation Task Force

Tobacco Cessation Task Force Regular Meeting

February 17, 2010

DRAFT - Meeting Minutes - DRAFT

Task Force Attendees:  Jeannette DeJesus, Co-chair; Andrew Salner, Co-chair; Frank Scifo

Andy Salner opened the meeting by welcoming Task Force members and Office of the Healthcare Advocate staff.  The January 20, 2010 meeting minutes were approved by all Task Force members present.

Andy provided a brief update regarding the two work group/sub-committees.  He stated that David Gregorio, Barbara Koren and Pat Checko shall initially assemble one group to review and analyze the data as a whole and then formulate the sub-committees for data and programs.

Andy stated that the SustiNet Board of Directors is expecting a preliminary draft of a report in Spring 2010 to test the hypothesis and conclusions from the data.  A public meeting will be called to present the data.

Andy informed the group that he will contact the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) to present about tobacco internet sales.  Andy will contact Carol Meredith of DMHAS and the DRS Commissioner.  The Task Force mentioned that they would like to determine how to curb these types of sales.

Frank Scifo asked if the Attorney General’s Office needs to be contacted and/or invited to give legal insight on tobacco internet sales.  Andy declared that the Attorney General’s Office will be contacted and asked to be involved in the discussion so that this Task Force can weigh in on their efforts and learn whether the State has jurisdiction over these types of sales.  All agreed that enforcement on tobacco internet sales will require a comprehensive report.

An unidentified speaker asked how the State handles tobacco issues with sovereign states such as casinos.  Andy answered that there has been civil action with the casino versus the State of CT to determine who has jurisdiction.  The casino holds the position that they are a sovereign state and therefore do not have to follow the governance of CT; the State declares that they do have jurisdiction over the use of tobacco because there are other state regulated substances being used on the property (i.e. alcohol).  The two entities agreed to establish specific smoking areas on the property and to improve the ventilation system throughout the facility.

Andy reiterated that the role of this Task Force is to advise the Sustinet Board of Directors on how to curb tobacco use and increase smoking cessation among users.

Vicki Veltri indicated that she will provide legal guidance to the Board and this Task Force, but that final oversight will be given by Attorney General Special Counsel, Richard Kehoe.

Jeannette DeJesus asked if the Task Force would like to invite the key players from DMHAS, DRS, and OAG to the next meeting.  Andy said that an invitation would be extended, along with invitations to other organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, and the MATCH Coalition.  Vicki stated that she will request that Rich attend the meeting or send an alternate from the OAG.

Andy stated that Barbara Walsh (Department of Public Health) gave an excellent presentation at the last meeting, outlining the steps that DPH is taking to reduce tobacco use and increase smoking cessation.

There was no discussion of unfinished or other business.

Agenda topics and items for the next meeting were discussed and established:

-          Invite DMHAS, DRS, and OAG to discuss and respond tobacco internet sales

-          Receive comprehensive updates from the data and program work groups.

Meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting will be March 17, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in LOB Room 2600.