As reported by CNN, a hospital in Danville, Pennsylvania is to adapt a new anti-smoking hiring policy from February 2012.

Marcy Marshall, spokesperson of Geisinger Health System, tells CNN in an interview that the hospital authorities have decided not to recruit people who smoke or use tobacco products. All the prospective candidates will be screened for traces of nicotine in their blood, Ms Marshall informs, adding that those found positive will be offered quit smoking support.

According to the spokesperson, the stop smoking programme will give an opportunity to smokers to kick their habit in 24 weeks following which they can again apply for job. The no-nicotine policy is expected to be put to effect from February 1, 2012, she discloses.

CNN learns that smoking in the hospital premises was prohibited in 2007 and now the authorities want their staff to completely give up nicotine addiction. However, the new policy will exclude the current employees at the healthcare facility, notes the US newswire.

Back in 2007, the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio carried out a similar no-tobacco recruitment drive, CNN notes. Quoting Dr Paul Terpeluk of the Ohio hospital, the American cable news channel says the goal of the 2007 attempt was to ensure healthcare facilities develop a culture of "wellness of future employees". The new $47,000-a-year campaign at the Danville hospital is modeled on the one pioneered by the Cleveland Clinic, says Marcy Marshall.

Data obtained from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that Pennsylvania is among 19 US states where recruiters are legally allowed to test job applicants for tobacco consumption, notes CNN.