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Poll: Hospitals Hiring Non-smokers Only

If you're a smoker, there are no jobs for you at some Michigan hospitals who are not hiring tobacco users as part of their missions supporting healthier communities.

The Detroit News reports that Rochester's Crittenton Hospital, Adrian's Bixby Medical Center and Tecumseh's Herrick Medical Center only are hiring nonsmokers and people who don't use tobacco.

ProMedica wellness director Laura Ritzler says costs are lowered because nonsmoking staffs don't have the same health care issues or complications that come with tobacco use. ProMedica owns Bixby and Herrick.

Crittenton spokesman Jeff Kapuscinski says the hospital revoked two job offers after applicants tested positive for nicotine during a screening. He says the policy does not affect current employees.

A workers' rights group says 29 states have laws that prevent hiring discrimination against smokers.

Tonight in the Daily Pulse we're wondering: Should hospitals be permitted to reject job applicants because they use tobacco? Yes or no? Why or why not?