Community Health Partners to stop hiring tobacco smokers

Community Health Partners has become the latest Northeast Ohio healthcare organization to adopt a policy against hiring new employees who smoke.

The Lorain-based health system’s tobacco-free policy takes effect Sept. 1, though existing employees won’t be affected, according to a statement from Community Health Partners (CHP).

“CHP has a responsibility to discourage tobacco use, foster a healthier workforce and set an example for the community at large,” said Edwin Oley, Community Health Partners’ CEO.

Other local employers, such as the Cleveland Clinic, Summa Health System, Parma Community General Hospital and Medical Mutual of Ohio, have adopted nicotine-free hiring policies, in part in an attempt to cut health spending.

CHP made its campus tobacco-free in 2007.

All new CHP employees will be asked if they smoke, and tested for nicotine along with the health system’s usual drug screening. Those who admit to smoking or fail the test will be given information about free smoking-cessation classes, according to the statement.

Ohio is one of 20 states that does not have a law banning employers from considering tobacco use in hiring decisions, the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reported. However, a House Democrat from Green has proposed just such a law, which would fine employers who violate its terms $25,000 on the first offense, $50,000 on the second and $100,000 for each subsequent violation. That proposal hasn’t made it to a vote, and it’s questionable whether it will.