Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Hiring Policy

Summit Healthcare Association (SHA) supports a clean air environment throughout the organization and the reduction of the risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. SHA adheres to the Smoke-Free Arizona Act to protect Arizonans from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and prohibits the use of tobacco products at all locations and in Association-owned vehicles. This policy applies to all individuals at all locations. Adherence to this policy is a condition of continued employment and medical staff privileges.

Tobacco cessation information is available to patients, SHA employees, and medical staff who desire information on how to stop using tobacco products. Tobacco cessation assistance may be provided to employees, allied health professionals and medical staff through the Occupational Health Department.

Definitions:
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes): Battery-powered devices that provide inhaled doses of nicotine by way of a vaporized solution, and nicotine substances and devices.
Nicotine Substances: substances containing non-therapeutic nicotine including cigarettes, cigars, vaping, or smokeless tobacco.
Association Property: Includes all property owned or leased by SHA.

Procedure:

1. Employment on or after June 1, 2021.

a. Effective June 1, 2021 SHA will hire nicotine product users on the condition that they do not use nicotine products on SHA property or during their scheduled shifts.
Title: Policy No: PAGE Tobacco/ Nicotine-Free Policy HR1171 2 of 4
b. Job applicants will be informed that the Cotinine test will be included as part of their pre- employment screening. This test is used to detect the presence of nicotine.
i. The test will detect all forms of tobacco, including nicotine replacement therapy
products.
ii. The test will not detect secondhand smoke.
c. Applicants who test positive for Cotinine will be offered enrollment in and given information regarding a smoking cessation program. This will be offered at no cost and expected to be completed on the employee’s own time.

1. All applicants for allied health professional privileges, medical staff privileges, volunteer duties, contract employees, and students are informed of the Tobacco/Nicotine-Free Policy during the application and orientation process.
2. An employee hired on or after September 1, 2013 who has agreed to refrain from using nicotine or tobacco products but later tests positive for tobacco/nicotine will be provided the opportunity to enroll in SHA’s benefit package but pay the higher rate associated with nicotine users.
3. Employees who attested to using nicotine products during pre-employment testing will be provided the opportunity to enroll in SHA’s benefit package but pay the higher rate associated with nicotine users. They will be tested for Cotinine prior to each year’s open enrollment period to verify if they are eligible for non-smoker benefit rates.

2. Grandfathered Employees, Allied Health, and Medical Staff members:

1. Employees, allied health and medical staff members hired prior to September 1, 2013 are not required to be tobacco/nicotine-free. However, they are not permitted to use tobacco products on SHA property or while working.
2. SHA encourages employees to pursue a healthier life, and offers support and resources for those who wish to quit using tobacco products. Contact the Occupational Health Department for further information.
3. Smoking, vaping or the use of nicotine (non-therapy) products or electronic cigarettes is not permitted during work hours (including breaks and lunch period).
4. All grandfathered staff, allied health professionals and medical staff observed using tobacco products on association property are reported to the appropriate supervisor/ department manager/medical staff committee for counseling or disciplinary action.

3. Patients and Visitors:

1. Employees, allied health professionals and medical staff members are expected to communicate our Tobacco Free Campus through our Tobacco/Nicotine-Free policy with courtesy and diplomacy to patients and visitors desiring to use tobacco products on SHA property.
2. Patients and visitors are notified of the policy prior to arrival whenever possible. Signs stating “This is a tobacco-free campus” are posted at all building entrances and at seating areas around the campus. Receptacles for cigarette butts are located in such a manner that encourages disposal of smoking materials well away from all entryways and ventilation intake systems.
3. Nicotine replacement products are available through the pharmacy for patients who use tobacco. A physician’s order is required.

4. Notification:

1. Signage prohibiting smoking shall be posted at each facility entrance.
2. All employee orientation onboarding packets shall include the above information.
3. All employees shall be made aware of and have access to a copy of this policy, and sign
   an affidavit of acknowledgement.

5. Enforcement:

1. All individuals in supervisory positions, along with SHA Security Personnel, are to enforce this policy.
2. Information will be made available about options for smoking cessation to employees who do smoke.
3. Employees observed smoking or using tobacco and nicotine products anywhere on SHA properties, parking areas, or adjacent properties and/or sidewalks, or during work hours (including breaks and lunch periods) will be in violation of this policy and subject to corrective action.