If you smoke don't plan on getting a job with one health care provider in central Pennsylvania next year.
Susquehanna Health announced it will no longer hire smokers or other tobacco users come 2010.
The signs say it all in front of the Williamsport Regional Medical Center. Susquehanna Health is a tobacco-free facility and next year the health care provider will take that a step further.
"If they work for us they have to be tobacco free. It's a condition of employment," said Glenn Mechling of Susquehanna Health.
Beginning in January, 2010 Mechling said potential employees will have to pass a nicotine test before they are hired.
"We feel as a health care provider we have a responsibility to the community to practice the health behaviors we promote to the community and to employees," Mechling added.
Current employees won't be forced to quit smoking but are forbidden from using tobacco products while at work. If a new employee starts smoking or relapses after they pass a nicotine test, Mechling said, they will have to refrain from smoking at work.
"If this policy has the effect of incentivizing people to stop using tobacco products, it's a good thing for them and for the health of their family," Mechling said.
Newswatch 16 spoke with attorney Cliff Reiders of Williamsport who said there is no law protecting smokers. On the other hand, obesity is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and therefore protected.
That's why Susquehanna Health is targeting smokers.
"I don't think its right. I think you're going into people's rights. You're stepping on people's toes when you do that," said Linda Eisner of Williamsport.
"It might benefit a lot. It's going to hurt a lot of people's feelings but I think it's wise if they give up the bad habits," said Doris Ditzler of Lairdsville.
Susquehanna Health announced it will no longer hire smokers or other tobacco users come 2010.
The signs say it all in front of the Williamsport Regional Medical Center. Susquehanna Health is a tobacco-free facility and next year the health care provider will take that a step further.
"If they work for us they have to be tobacco free. It's a condition of employment," said Glenn Mechling of Susquehanna Health.
Beginning in January, 2010 Mechling said potential employees will have to pass a nicotine test before they are hired.
"We feel as a health care provider we have a responsibility to the community to practice the health behaviors we promote to the community and to employees," Mechling added.
Current employees won't be forced to quit smoking but are forbidden from using tobacco products while at work. If a new employee starts smoking or relapses after they pass a nicotine test, Mechling said, they will have to refrain from smoking at work.
"If this policy has the effect of incentivizing people to stop using tobacco products, it's a good thing for them and for the health of their family," Mechling said.
Newswatch 16 spoke with attorney Cliff Reiders of Williamsport who said there is no law protecting smokers. On the other hand, obesity is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and therefore protected.
That's why Susquehanna Health is targeting smokers.
"I don't think its right. I think you're going into people's rights. You're stepping on people's toes when you do that," said Linda Eisner of Williamsport.
"It might benefit a lot. It's going to hurt a lot of people's feelings but I think it's wise if they give up the bad habits," said Doris Ditzler of Lairdsville.
