Oral

The U.S. House of Representatives just approved legislation, by an overwhelming 3 to 1 margin, giving broad authority to the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products, however the ultimate fate of this legislation is still unclear and many public health professionals are unwilling to wait until this issue is resolved at the national level. States and localities already have authority to regulate many aspects of tobacco products. However, current federal law actually preempts the states from regulating certain aspects of tobacco sales, distribution and marketing. Many states have been reluctant to enter this regulatory arena, choosing to wait until the issue is resolved at the federal level, or until some compelling reason forces action. This session will highlight some of the key areas of tobacco regulation that are already occurring at the state or local level and provide numerous specific examples from North Carolina, California, Massachusetts and other states. In addition, the session will highlight research findings that have indicated some appropriate areas for action. The session will also provide insights on the following questions: What would be the role of states in regulating tobacco products, as well as their marketing, sale and distribution if legislation is passed providing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with authority? What can states already do regardless of whether this legislation is approved? What are the gaps in the evidence base that could provide additional useful guidance to interested state and local public health professionals and policymakers?

Session Objectives: • To understand the full range of topics where state or local governments can regulate tobacco products, and their sale, distribution and marketing. • To help state and local health officials understand that they currently have authority in many areas to regulate tobacco, and how this authority may be expanded or narrowed if pending federal regulation is approved. • To learn more about the evidence base for regulating tobacco products and which areas of regulation may have the greatest potential for reducing tobacco prevalence and consumption rates. • To provide key insights to state and local public health officials with responsibility for regulating other areas of public health, beyond tobacco, regarding innovative solutions for addressing broader public health concerns while building on a long history of successful tobacco control efforts.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing