Problem/Objective: The need to develop and implement a business plan approach to worksite tobacco treatment.

Methods: Through the Master Settlement Agreement, administered through the State and Local health departments, community agencies were able to collaborate with local health departments and tobacco cessation providers to develop and implement a business plan approach to worksite cessation. A protocol was developed to address the need for not only tobacco cessation in the workplace, but to educate workplace management on the cost effectiveness of including tobacco cessation as a covered benefit. A workflow algorithm was developed to facilitate implementation at the workplace. As contact is made with the business a series of steps then occur, for example, insurance verification occurs simultaneously with carbon monoxide monitoring at the worksite to enhance motivation to quit using tobacco. People who are interested in quitting are then referred to a cessation program (funded by the local health departments if they have no insurance). Once employees have entered a Cessation program an agreement is made that in order for the Health Department to pay for the Cessation program, the Workplace Human Resources, finance or appropriate management staff must participate in attending a Cost Benefit presentation that supports Tobacco Cessation coverage specific to the company.

Results: As of January 2005, a total of 6 businesses received the Quit Smart Program. A total of 103 employees participated at their work sites.

Conclusions: This is an ongoing work process; each presentation provides education and tools to the worksite, to implement changes in health benefits to cover tobacco cessation treatment