The screening will test employees for cotinine, which is a nicotine by-product.
Job offers will be rescinded for individuals who test positive for “primary user” levels of cotinine, according to the release. Applicants who fail the cotinine test may reapply after 180 days.
The new rule applies to all new hires, but current employees or individuals offered positions prior to April 1 will be grandfathered in under a tobacco-free policy, which was implemented in 2008. Under the rule, employees are prohibited from using tobacco products at any time during their shift.
More Articles on Hospitals and Tobacco-Free Hiring:
University of Pennsylvania Health to Stop Hiring Smokers
8 Alabama Hospitals Go Smoke-Free
Study: Smoke-Free Legislation Associated With Fewer Hospitalizations
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