Do we need to intervene with patients that have diagnoses that are different form the ones established by the Joint Commission?
Yes. While the Joint Commission may review the list of diagnosis for which it requires cessation intervention, it is in fact the duty of every health care provider to intervene with patients who smoke. This is similar to the situation of a patient with high blood pressure. Regardless of regulatory requirements, you would intervene. The same needs to be done with patients with smoke. This is good quality patient care and needs to be incorporated into practice. For time available for intervention and other such questions, please see the FAQ above about Smoking Cessation.
