September 2009

The Tennessee color-coded wristband standardization toolkit is now available to assist hospitals in standardizing alert wristbands to the three adopted colors.  The colors, which have been adopted by nearly 30 states, are red for allergy alert, yellow for falls risk and purple for do-not resuscitate. 

The toolkit contains guidance on implementation; staff education materials, including publication information and PowerPoint presentations; frequently asked questions; and a patient education brochure.

Tennessee hospitals that currently use color-coded wristband alerts are asked to adopt these standardized colors by December 31, 2009.  It is important to note this initiative does not require hospitals to begin using the color-coded wristbands if they are not already doing so.  The purpose of this voluntary initiative is to consistently and correctly communicate a patient safety wristband alert to healthcare providers.  THA's quality committee and board of directors have endorsed this initiative. 

Hospitals that have questions about the wristband standardization initiative should contact Chris Clarke, THA senior vice president, clinical services, cclarke@tha.com, 615-401-7437, or Darlene Swart, Tennessee Center for Patient Safety, dswart@tha.com, 615-401-7460. 

Click here to access the toolkit