Hospital chain says job applicants who test positive for 'tobacco use' won't be hired
Image from Shutterstock.
A hospital chain headquartered in Colorado has announced a plan to test job applicants for tobacco. Those who test positive for “tobacco use” won’t be hired, but can re-apply after 90 days.
The testing by Centura Health will take place as part of pre-employment screening, once job offers are made, reports the Denver Post. The program, which begins Jan. 1, won’t apply to the chain’s existing workers or those hired before the beginning of next year.
Centura has 15 hospitals, six senior living communities and numerous clinics in Colorado and Kansas, notes the Colorado Springs Gazette.
“Tobacco use is undeniably dangerous to a person’s health,” says Centura in a Thursday press release announcing the new tobacco-testing program. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use leads to disease and disability and is the leading preventable cause of death. Modifying its existing policy to reflect a tobacco-free hiring workplace in Colorado and Kansas is the latest step Centura Health is taking to promote the health of its workplace and help associates control their health care costs.”
The Denver Channel and KRDO also have stories.
