“Centura Health, one of Colorado’s largest health systems, made waves when it started testing for nicotine and refused to hire those who tested positive back in 2014. As of this year, King said Centura Health decided to change its policy. Instead of turning away job candidates who test positive for nicotine, King said those candidates can now be hired and would be given optional resources to quit if they are brought aboard. Contrary to popular belief, King also said the health group did a review and found that not hiring nicotine users didn’t lower health care costs for its employer-provided health insurance — which is often the No. 1 driver for companies considering these policies. Colorado’s lifestyle protection law states that employers can’t fire an employee for what they do “legally” outside work, but it doesn’t say anything about hiring. “You can be discriminated [against] for legal activities outside work before you’re hired,” said Kevin O’Brien, a workplace expert and business law associate professor at the University of Denver.”
BILL TARLING — Sadly, Colorado anti-vaping regulations are forcing more and more vape shops out of business, which means the State is removing one of the most successful tools to help create ex-smokers
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U-Haul’s move to stop hiring smokers reignites debate in Colo. about nicotine-free hiring policies
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