Button must get a hand?

[Headhunter13]

Playing in a local cardroom, the player who had just paid his blinds (now the button) got up to take a smoke break. Dealer dealt him a hand. When I asked why, he said, "button always has to get a hand. Even if he's not here."

Is this true generally (I know it's probably room specific)? If so, what is the rationale?

Thanks,

--Headhunter