Legislation, policy, and tobacco use among youth: Implications for health care providers

This paper addresses implications of recent tobacco legislation, policy, an d tobacco use among youth in the context of health care policy and services . Tobcacco use prevalence and definitions and diagnoses of nicotine addicti on and dependence are described. Assessment of smoking prevalence in Texas provides a case study of the problem and potential solutions for tobacco us e among youth. The case study highlights specific implications to be consid ered when providing health care focused on prevention and risk reduction fo r youth. The paper concludes with implications and critical Internet resour ces for health care providers engaging in youth tobacco control.