Flint-based McLaren Health Care plans to begin screening job applicants for nicotine use

No-nicotine policy involves all McLaren facilities, but doesn't apply to current employees

Published On: Feb 05 2013 07:35:49 AM EST
smoking
FLINT, Mich. -

A Michigan health system plans to begin screening job applicants for nicotine use.

The Flint Journal reports that Flint-based McLaren Health Care has instituted a no-nicotine policy for all job applicants, testing them for tobacco use as part of the drug screening process.

The policy went into effect Friday and involves all McLaren facilities. It doesn't apply to current employees. Job applicants must also no longer be using smoking-cessation products, such as nicotine patches, to be considered for employment.

The new rule at is similar to nicotine-free policies adopted by several other health systems in Michigan. McLaren already bans the use of tobacco on hospital grounds.

Do you think this is a good policy? Should other health systems implement it?

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