Tobacco Free Hiring at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Abstract

MD Anderson implemented a tobacco-free hiring policy in 2015 to align with our mission to end cancer. Evidence is scarce on the effectiveness of tobacco-free hiring policies, our goal is to evaluate the impact of this policy. We evaluated program outcomes and conducted a literature review to provide an analysis of ethical and organizational considerations associated with tobacco-free hiring. Twenty-nine US states (58%) have smoker-protection laws when hiring. Between 2015 and 2024, 41,797 tobacco screenings were performed prior to hire. Of those, 232 were positive (<1%). Our <1% rate of positivity suggests such programs can be successfully implemented with minimal disruption to hiring practices. Tobacco-free hiring can create an environment where employees are less likely to use tobacco and potentially protect employees, patients, and visitors from second or thirdhand smoke exposure.