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Effective December 8, 2003, BWH will implement a new policy in compliance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and JCAHO regarding appropriate nail care. The policy will apply to all health care workers with direct patient contact. Under the policy, natural nails must be kept to a length of less than 1/4 inch beyond the fingertip. Polish, if worn, must be free of chipping. Artificial nails are prohibited. In the OR and Labor & Delivery, there is a more specific policy. The policy will be available on the online BWH Administrative Manual. Additional information can be found on the BWH JCAHO website, at the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/), and at the JCAHO website (http://www.jcaho.org/accredited+organizations/patient+safety/04+npsg/04_faqs.htm). Contact your supervisor or Infection Control practitioner (ext. 2-6785) if you have further questions.