Summary

Federal agencies have authority to establish smoking cessation programs for their employees and to use appropriated funds to pay the costs incurred by employees participating in these programs. The Office of Personnel Management would have to amend the Federal Personnel Manual to add smoking cessation as a prevention activity that agencies can include as part of the health services program they provide their employees. 64 Comp.Gen.789 (1985) is modified accordingly. Smoking Cessation Program for Federal Employees: This decision is in response to a request from the Department of the Treasury. We have reconsidered our position on this issue. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) should modify its regulations to include smoking cessation as a type of health service that agencies can provide their employees. 64 Comp.Gen. 789 (1985) is modified accordingly.