We require an attestation for tobacco use during the preplacement exam. We draw a serum cotinine test on all new hires who state they are non-tobacco users during the preplacement and urine test for metabolites if they are on NRT. All
persons who attest to tobacco use or who are cotinine + are sent to our benefits dept and enrolled as a tobacco user and are surcharged an additional $22 per pay period on their health insurance premium. We also have them sign an attestation if a covered
spouse is a tobacco user and, if yes, that also gets sent to Benefits to assign the surcharge.
If they complete an approved tobacco cessation program and submit documentation, the surcharge is removed within 30 days during the calendar year. Any team member who was enrolled as a tobacco user cannot reenroll as a non tobacco
user for the following year until a cotinine test is completed in our clinic and is negative (or urine metabolites for NRT therapy).
JoAnn Shea, APRN, MS, COHN-S
Director, Team Member Health and Wellness
Tampa General Hospital
Office: 813-844-7692
Cell: 813-789-3441
jshea@tgh.org
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net> On Behalf Of
Cindy M. Hansen
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 3:55 PM
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Smoking - Employees
WARNING: This email
came from an external source outside of Tampa General Hospital.
Hey there,
I am inquiring and seeking info on how folks are implementing their smoking policies, guide to wellness, smoking cessation etc….
- Are there insurance implications (i.e., higher premiums for smokers).
- Do you test, If yes, how frequently? And with what testing mechanism Cotinine – POC or other? If positive do you instantly hike their insurance rate or do you give them opportunity
to quit?
- Policy?
- Anything else I haven’t asked that was an important piece during implementation ?
We are no going to have no smoking as a condition of hire, but more of trying to guide, assist, and promote healthier lifestyle.
Any comments welcomed.
Cindy Hansen, RN, MSN, CCM
Director, Employee Health
Memorial Hospital | 4500 13th Street | Gulfport, MS 39502-1810
Office: 228.867.4174 | Fax: 228.867.4080 | Cell: 228-323-7654
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