Catholic Health World

Chattanooga's Memorial Health Care System to hire only nonsmokers

Beginning this month, Memorial Health Care System of Chattanooga, Tenn., no longer will hire people who smoke.

Under a newly implemented policy, the system is testing job applicants for nicotine use after they've received a job offer but before their start date. The test is part of a health check that also screens for illegal drug use and alcohol use. Memorial will rescind the job offers of people who test positive for these substances, and it will alert them to cessation and treatment programs at Memorial and elsewhere.

On its careers website, Memorial has posted an explanation of the policy that says that the system made the decision to stop hiring smokers because it recognizes "the major importance of associates' health and well-being, and the responsibility of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for all associates, volunteers, patients and visitors."

Brad Pope, Memorial's vice president for human resources, said that "as a hospital, our workforce and the communities we serve should expect us to set the example for improving healthy behaviors and lifestyles."

Through notices posted in its online career center, Memorial now makes job candidates aware of the screening requirement before they apply. Pope said that the state of Tennessee allows employers not to hire smokers.

While most people have responded favorably to the policy, according to Pope, there has been some pushback from community members. Pope said, "We understand and appreciate the concerns that some people may have, however, our goal is to continue improving the health of our workforce and communities."

Pope noted that a smattering of companies — some in the health care field and some in other sectors of the economy — also have made the move to smoke-free hiring. He said others could follow suit. "It is our hope that other hospitals and employers will consider implementing programs to promote healthier lifestyles."

Memorial developed the policy as part of "Healthy Memorial," a wellness initiative aimed at both staff and community members. The initiative's first project was to make the Memorial campus tobacco-free in 2007.

"Most workers in their 20s do not recall a time when you could smoke inside a hospital or office building," he said. "Today, not only can you not smoke in most work settings, smoking has been banned in many other public areas."

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