Providence Alaska Medical Center and its affiliates around the state will stop hiring tobacco users as of Nov. 17. The health care provider will begin testing prospective employees for nicotine along with illegal drugs.
According to state department of labor statistics, Providence Health Services has over 4,000 employees in Alaska.
Tammy Green is director of health management services for Providence Health & Services Alaska. She says it’s not a decision the company made overnight.
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Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
