As part of ETMC's commitment to good health, we are designated as a tobacco-free organization.
ETMC facilities prohibit the use of tobacco products on our property. This includes both interior as well as exterior areas and also pertains to adjoining sidewalks, driveways and parking lots.
Please understand that this policy requires all ETMC employees, patients, visitors, vendors and volunteers to refrain from using tobacco products while on hospital property. Designated smoking areas do not exist at any ETMC facilities.
ETMC appreciates everyone's cooperation as we work together to maintain a tobacco-free zone around ETMC facilities
Smoking and Tobacco Use Resources
Centers for Disease Control Smoking and Tobacco Use Website
Medline Plus Smoking News
Smoke Free Kids
Tobacco hiring policies
1. Effective April 1, 2011 East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and it's affiliates will no longer hire applicants who use any form of tobacco/nicotine products. In addition to doing pre-employment drug screening a tobacco/nicotine test will also be done. If an applicant tests positive for tobacco/nicotine or prohibited drugs all employment offers will be revoked. In such cases the applicant may re-apply in six (6) months.
2. In July 2005 ETMCRHS implemented Administrative policy 19-08. This policy addresses our commitment to maintaining a tobacco/nicotine free environment for everyone. As a reminder, employees who want to smoke must do so "off campus". Employees should first obtain supervisory approval to take any break. Breaks may or may not be granted dependent upon the workload in the department and breaks cannot exceed two (2) ten minute breaks per eight hour shift. If the employee intends on smoking during their rest break they will need to clock out at the start of their break and clock in when they return from being "off campus". If you clock out for lunch use clock code 3 and clock back in with 4. This will cancel your automatic lunch deduction. Failure to comply with this policy will lead to disciplinary action as outlined in the employee handbook.