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Health System To Screen Job Seekers For Nicotine

FLINT (WWJ/AP) - A Michigan health system plans to begin screening job applicants for nicotine use.

Flint-based McLaren Health Care has instituted a no-nicotine policy for all job applicants, testing them for tobacco use as part of the drug screening process.

The policy went into effect Friday and involves all McLaren facilities. It doesn't apply to current employees.

Job applicants must also no longer be using smoking-cessation products, such as nicotine patches, to be considered for employment.

The new rule at is similar to nicotine-free policies adopted by several other health systems in Michigan. McLaren already bans the use of tobacco on hospital grounds.

The health system said the job requirement was put in place "to provide a safe, healthy environment for our patients, employees and visitors."

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