The Danville-based Geisinger Health Systems is implementing a new policy, working to make its medical facilities smoke-free.

It will begin testing employees for use of cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco as part of routine drug testing.It's at least the third hospital in Pennsylvania that has instituted similar policies. The others are St. Luke's in Bethlehem and Susquehanna Health Systems in Williamsport.Is the policy too harsh?Most hospitals not only treat patients, but implement preventive health policies.It's been determined by more than one study that smoking can be extremely detrimental to one's health not only to the individual who is smoking but to others around them.This isn't to say smoking should be outlawed in society. It should remain an individual choice. Choosing a career in health care indicates you have an interest in healthy living and make a commitment to such.Critics will say that next such policies as implemented at the hospitals will eventually lead to banning, say doughnuts or Coca Cola because they might not be healthy for you. It's not the same. Smoking has a much greater impact on people's health.Also, having health care professionals reeking of smoke come into contact with patients who are non-smokers isn't fair especially if the patient has respiratory problems.Another point is that smokers banned from lighting up on the premises of a business often stand across the street on someone else's property and not only smoke, but carelessly discard the butts. People often have to walk past these lanes of smokers to get to their destination.It's not only hospitals like St. Luke's and Geisinger which are becoming sterner with employees' health habits. So are many other corporations. One reason is the huge premiums they pay for health insurance policies.Insurance companies often give companies lower premium rates if they see that preventive health measures are followed, including working on smoking cessation. Call it greed or dictatorial on the part of the insurance companies, if you will, but both they and the companies paying the premiums call it business which means looking at finances.The actions of St. Luke's and Geisinger are likely what you're going to see happen at more and more businesses not only at medical firms but at companies in general.Are our freedoms being eroded with such a policy?Some believe the freedoms for non-smokers are being expanded with them.By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com