Mercy Memorial Hospital System (MMHS) will begin hiring only candidates who commit to a nicotine free lifestyle effective on December 3, 2012.

MMHS is among several other health systems in Michigan and Ohio who have adopted similar nicotine-free hiring policies. Those organizations include Henry Ford Health System, Beaumont, Crittendon Hospital, DMC, Sparrow Hospital (Lansing area), Oakwood Healthcare and ProMedica.

Those who are candidates on or after December 3, 2012 will be requested at the pre-employment interview to sign a statement declaring they are nicotine free and can abide by a nicotine free work environment. A candidate also has the option of declaring if they are using any type of nicotine replacement therapy or behavior modification program. All candidates will be tested for the presence of nicotine in their systems as part of the new hire physical exam. If the presence of nicotine is detected in the candidate’s system, the candidate may reapply in 90 days for available positions.

“MMHS is creating a culture where employees actively engage each other in living a healthy and productive lifestyle,” said Maureen Henson, SPHR, Vice President of Human Resources. “This is the right thing to do for the health and well-being of our employees, patients, visitors, volunteers, physicians and families. MMHS is in the business of health care and has a responsibility to its employees and to the greater Monroe area to lead the charge and to promote health and well-being in the community. We want to empower our employees who are robust wellness champions.”

Beginning Monday, November 5, 2012, the MMHS recruitment website will notify applicants that MMHS is a nicotine-free, tobacco product-free environment and the use of these products during work time is prohibited.

There are no plans at this time to require the existing workforce to sign similar affidavits attesting to their use or non-use of nicotine products. However, MMHS requests that patients and visitors abide by its smoke-free, tobacco-free policy and not engage in these activities while on MMHS property, owned or leased.