Maryland hospital to disqualify applicants who smoke

An Annapolis hospital says it will begin testing job applicants for signs of tobacco and will disqualify applicants who test positive.

The Anne Arundel Medical Center will begin the new hiring policy this month after already banning the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products on its campus last year.

According to an online report on CapitalGazette.com, the nicotine test will come after an interview but before an offer for a job is made. The nicotine test will be included in urine tests that also check for drugs like marijuana and cocaine.

If applicants fail, they may re-apply in six months.

Carroll Hospital in Westminster and University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health in Harford County also have nicotine-free hiring policies.