California · Health and Safety Code - HSC

HSC §1234: (a) Smoking a tobacco product shall not be permitted in patient areas of a clinic except those rooms designated for occupancy exclusively by smokers.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Clinics must prohibit smoking in patient areas except designated smoking rooms and must post clear signage indicating where smoking is or is not permitted.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Smoking a tobacco product shall not be permitted in patient areas of a clinic except those rooms designated for occupancy exclusively by smokers. (b) Clearly legible signs shall either: (1) State that smoking is unlawful and be conspicuously posted by, or on behalf of, the owner or manager of such clinic, in all areas of a clinic where smoking is unlawful. (2) Identify “smoking permitted” areas, and be posted by, or on behalf of, the owner or manager of such clinic, only in areas of a clinic where smoking is lawfully permitted. If “smoking permitted” signs are posted, there shall also be conspicuously posted, near all major entrances, clearly legible signs stating that smoking is unlawful except in areas designated “smoking permitted.” (c) This section shall not apply to skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled. (d) For purposes of this section, “smoking” has the same meaning as in subdivision (c) of Section 22950.5 of the Business and Professions Code. (e) For purposes of this section, “tobacco product” means a product or device as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 22950.5 of the Business and Professions Code.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.