business

Geisinger stops hiring tobacco users

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 16, 2012

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

Another large, integrated health system has joined the ranks of medical facilities that no longer offer jobs to those who smoke cigarettes or cigars or use smokeless tobacco products.

As of Feb. 1, Geisinger Health System, based in Danville, Pa., will hire only those who test negative for nicotine during the routine drug testing that is part of the pre-employment physical. The testing is carried out after an offer has been made but before the person starts the job.

"Geisinger is joining dozens of hospitals and medical organizations across the country that are encouraging healthier living, decreasing absenteeism and reducing health care costs by adopting strict policies that make smoking a reason to turn away job applicants," said Richard Merkle, the organization's chief human resources officer.

This policy change affects new hires for part-time and full-time positions, but not current employees. Such testing detects tobacco users, but not those who are exposed only to secondhand smoke. Those who test positive will be given a list of smoking cessation resources and allowed to reapply after six months.

State laws governing discrimination against those who use nicotine vary widely. Refusing to hire users of tobacco products is legal in Pennsylvania.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/01/16/bibf0116.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn