Bare below the elbow: New interest in the US?

Graphic: YNN-NY

A group of lawmakers in the New York state senate are considering a legislative mandate for bare below the elbow in New York hospitals, and perhaps even requiring hospitals to supply uniforms or on-site laundry facilities. You can read about it here.

5/8/11 addendum:  Here's an update with more detail.

More on contaminated neckties

A new study from Ireland of 95 doctor's ties found that 18% had pathogens recovered when cultured. S. aureus was recovered from 10 ties (8 of the isolates were methicillin resistant), gram-negative bacilli were recovered from 10 ties, and 3 ties had both S. aureus and gram-negative bacilli. The doctors also completed a survey, and 81% reported they would be happy not to wear a tie.

So to recap, we have an article of clothing that serves no function, is commonly contaminated with pathogens, and many doctors don't want to wear them. I think it's time to kill the necktie.