Smoking Policy

As of Sept. 1, 2006, University Hospital and Children's Hospital became tobacco-free facilities in order to promote a healthier environment for our patients, visitors and staff. The use of all tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco) is prohibited in all areas of the facilities, including the parking lot. This policy is implemented at all University of Missouri Health Care facilities.

Prior to Sept. 1, a climate-controlled smoking shelter was available on the west side of McHaney Hall for use by patients and visitors. This shelter may be accessed by a walk way on the east side of the hospital's front circle drive. Columbia city regulations make it a punishable offense to smoke within 20 feet of an entrance to a business.

Any employee who has reason to believe that a patient or visitor is smoking or using tobacco products on the premises may inform the visitor of the tobacco-free policy, educate them on tobacco issues and ask them to stop smoking or using tobacco products. Patient-care providers may suggest tobacco-cessation or withdrawal management choices at this time.