External job applicants will have to confirm they do not use tobacco products during the application process, and they will be tested for tobacco use, according to the news release. Applicants that fail the tobacco screening can reapply for positions after 90 days.
The new policy does not affect current employees. According to the news release, the policy change reflects the system’s desire to improve worker productivity, reduce healthcare costs and promote healthier living.
MetroHealth is not the only system to put a tobacco-free hiring rule in place in 2013: Orlando (Fla.) Health and the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia announced similar policies earlier this year.
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