Three Michigan hospitals are among health systems that state they will only hire tobacco-free employees.
According to the Detroit News, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Bixby Medical Center, and Herrick Medical Center have put in place such policies to be smoke-free. (WCxKit)
Laura Ritzler of ProMedical, the health system that owns Bixby and Herrick, stated that reduced employee health costs is a big driving force behind the move. According to the hospitals, not hiring smokers is an extension of their health-promotion policies and missions.
Meantime, some wonder if such moves violate the rights of the 20 percent of Americans who smoke.
According to the American Lung Association, 29 states, not including Michigan, and the District of Columbia have laws that prohibit employers from employment-related discrimination against those who light up.
Dr. Michael Siegel of Boston University School of Public Health, is quoted in the Detroit News as stating “Employers who are doing this are basically saying discrimination is OK, at least on this category of smokers.” (WCxKit)
According to Siegel, such bans could lead to likewise actions against those who are overweight.
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