To be fair, it does make sense, and it’s their right to do so as an employer.

Amanda LaBrot of KOMU 8 reports:

MU Health Care won’t hire smokers starting in 2015

MU Health Care announced it won’t hire smokers starting on Jan.1, 2015.

The new nicotine-free hiring policy exempts current employees, but all new applicants will be asked if they use nicotine products. If the applicant says “yes,” they’ll be given tobacco cessation information and given the opportunity to re-apply for jobs within 90 days.

The policy will add nicotine to MU Health Care’s pre-employment drug screenings.

Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine Kevin Everett said banning nicotine isn’t a new concept.

“Numerous health care organizations have adopted not hiring those who use tobacco products, or nicotine-free policies, across the nation,” Everett said.

MU Health Care Chief Executive Officer Mitch Wasden said the new policy will help the hospital “lead by example.”

“Improving the health of our patients, as well as the community and the state, is central to our mission as a leading academic medical center,” Wasden said.

Everett agreed, “One of Mu Health Care’s primary missions is ensuring the health of our patients. And as we move forward and try to advance and become one of the leaders in the state as an academic health setting, we want to make sure we’re leading by example. We’re creating a culture of health here, and our employees will take the lead on that.”