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Geisinger Health Plan System Not Hiring Smokers?

Pennsylvania-based hospital through the Geisinger Health Plan System is expected to start screening job applicants for signs of nicotine for 2012. A hospital spokesperson, Marcy Marshall, said they plan on not hiring smokers to work at the facility starting February 1, 2012.

People who apply to a job position at Geisinger Health System can be tested for nicotine and will be offered help to quit and encouraged to re-apply after six months. Smoking is not allowed on the facility grounds since 2007 and they are striving to make the entire staff smoke-free.

This type of screening comes with a lot of criticism. Pennsylvania is one of 19 states that allow employers to screen job applicants for smoking signs according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. A similar program was started at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio which aims to improve the wellness of employees.

Geisinger’s plan will be costing around $47,000 per year and doesn’t apply to existing employees, although they are encouraged to quit smoking. Applicants who test positive are allowed to reapply after 90 days. This comes across a little surprising given how many Americans smoke, but it has proven to cut costs and offer a healthier environment.

Written by Sam Tabes

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