Memorial Health Care System in Chattanooga, Tennessee has started testing new hires for tobacco use, along with other standard drug tests. Anyone who tests positive will have their job offer withdrawn.

Current workers aren’t affected by the new policy.

The hospital is making the move to provide a healthier environment for workers and patients — and to save the estimated $3,000 to $4,000 per year in health care costs that smokers ring up.

It’s similar to the policy at a handful of other hospitals, including the Cleveland Clinic.

Some critics say the policy is discriminatory — after all, no one is testing to see how much exercise new hires get or if they indulge in too many between-meal chocolate bars.

But even some workers say the prospect of losing out on a job is good motivation to quit.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.