University health system won't hire tobacco users

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - The University of Missouri Health Care system is snuffing out tobacco users as future employees.

The Columbia-based health system on Thursday announced a new hiring policy that bans nicotine users, including those who prefer chewing tobacco or electronic cigarettes. The new rules won't apply to existing workers.

MU Health Care CEO Mitch Wasden called the move an effort to "lead by example."

Job applicants who admit to using nicotine will be given information on how to stop such use and allowed to reapply within 90 days. Employee drug screening tests will also check for tobacco use.