Ask the Expert

Q. Our manager revised our policy regarding clothing changes. We have two facilities and used to be able to wear the same scrubs as we traveled between both facilities. Now, all of a sudden, we need to change scrubs. Why the sudden change?

A. The change may seem sudden to you, but that practice has actually been supported by standards for some time. ANSI/AAMI ST79, Section 4.5.1, Attire, states: “…Employees should change into street clothes whenever they leave the healthcare facility or when traveling between buildings located on separate campuses.” If you do not have a copy of ST79, you may obtain one at www.aami.org.

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