CA AB217

Restricts patient smoking areas in long-term health care facilities to outdoor spaces (courtyards, patios) that can be monitored by staff and reasonably prevent smoke from entering the facility or patient rooms.

Prohibits patient smoking areas from being located in patients' rooms, making previously exempted indoor smoking areas subject to the statewide workplace smoking prohibition.

Maintains existing infraction penalties for smoking violations: $100 for first violation, $200 for second violation within one year, and $500 for third and subsequent violations within one year.

Establishes that the statewide smoking prohibition supersedes local ordinances and eliminates the need for local governments to enact separate workplace smoking restrictions.

Allows long-term health care facilities to restrict resident smoking as necessary to protect residents from inclement weather and to continue implementing smoke-free policies.