Chattanooga Pulse

Most of us work in a smoke-free workplace … but how about a smoker-free workplace?  Starting next month, Memorial Hospital will not be hiring smokers.

As part of the pre-employment drug screen, they will be looking for nicotine. If a prospective employee tests positive for nicotine, the offer of employment will be rescinded. Even nicotine gum or the patch would make a potential employee ineligible.

Officials with Memorial say the new policy isn’t designed to save money on health care costs, but because a hospital should set a healthy example to the community.

“I understand the concerns people have, but we are here for the health of our community,” Brad Pope, vice president of human resources said. “Like it or not, what’s proven is that tobacco is the most preventable cause of death and disability in the United States. I think the Chattanooga and surrounding communities should expect this from Memorial.”

Dr. Carlos Baleeiro, with Battlefield Pulmonology in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., said the refusal by hospitals to hire tobacco users isn’t yet widespread, especially in tobacco producing states.  “It’s very brave of them,” he said. “I’m quite impressed by Memorial.”

Not everyone sees the move as entirely beneficial, however.

Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, said he believes a policy barring the hiring of tobacco users is discriminatory.  Siegel said he avidly supports education on the dangers of using tobacco, but questions whether the hiring practice is fair.

“The same rationale that would support not hiring smokers would also support not hiring people who are obese or people who have young children or people who don’t eat nutritious food or people who don’t exercise,” he said. “What it’s basically saying is the private behavior of people in their own homes is somehow relevant to their qualifications to work in a workplace.”

The new rule won’t affect current employees, but Memorial workers who do smoke will be offered smoking cessation help.

Memorial is owned and operated by Catholic Health Initiatives, a faith-based national nonprofit health organization with headquarters in Denver, Colorado