- “Bare below the elbows” (BBE): BBE is defined as wearing of short sleeves and no wristwatch, jewelry, or ties during clinical practice.
- White Coats: A doctor should have two or more white coats available and have access to a convenient and economical means to launder it OR should remove it prior to contact with patients or a patient’s immediate environment.
- Laundering: any apparel worn at the bedside that comes in contact with the patient or patient environment should be laundered after daily use; if laundering at home, a hot water wash cycle (ideally with bleach) followed by a cycle in the dryer or ironing has been shown to eliminate bacteria.
- HCP footwear: All footwear should have closed toes, low heels, and non-skid soles.
- Shared equipment including stethoscopes should be cleaned between patients.
- No general guidance can be made for prohibiting items like lanyards, identification tags and sleeves, cell phones, pagers, and jewelry, but those items that come into direct contact with the patient or environment should be disinfected, replaced, or eliminated.
