PAP.5.8.130 Dress and Appearance

The LCO-CHC is an ambulatory health care facility with multiple departments tasked with serving the health care need of the Native American population of the LCO-CHC. The LCO-CHC is committed to presenting a professional, neat and clean image for our patients, their families and other visitors. As staff members, we represent the LCO-CHC to everyone who enters. We can contribute to the center's image by taking pride in our own appearance.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the LCO-CHC's Dress Code Policy is to ensure that all employees present a professional appearance to patients and visitors, and to promote greater professionalism and safety in the workplace. Outlined below are general guidelines and basic expectations for appearance that all employees are required to follow.

(b) Policy.

(1) Employees are expected to represent themselves, and the LCO-CHC, in a professional manner, which includes appropriate clothing, grooming and hygiene habits. Thus all staff members are expected to dress in professional or business casual attire. In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together and no visible hickeys and facial piercings. Scrub uniforms and closed shoes for medical staff, business casual for all other staff (example would be khakis, dress pants, nice sweater, blouses, but absolutely no obscene or graphic shirts, shorts, or flip-flops). Blue jeans without rips will be permitted only on casual Fridays or by Maintenance staff. Sports Jerseys/shirts are allowed on Fridays or designated game day.

(2) Failure to maintain a professional appearance may be cause for disciplinary action. Supervisors will have the authority and responsibility to enforce this policy, and subsequent action required. This policy is applicable on all shifts, seven days a week. Departments may establish more specific guidelines consistent with this policy. Variances to this policy may be implemented by specific departments at the discretion of the departmental supervisor and approval by the Health Director as needed to ensure the safety of their staff, and will be implemented in conjunction with PPE (Personnel Protective Equipment) related requirements, as required by relevant OSHA and infection control standards, and as specified in individual departmental manuals requiring specific PPE equipment.

(3) Administration recognizes that there may be occasions when the nature of an employee's responsibilities requires him/her to wear dress attire that is prohibited by this policy (e.g. working on the floor to teach CPR, clean office space, etc.). Department heads may exercise discretion in making exceptions to this policy for those limited occasions.

(4) Housekeeping & maintenance staff may wear jeans or work pants that are in good condition. Long or ¾ length sleeved smocks are required over shirts. Closed toe and closed heel sturdy shoes are required.

(5) Federal employees may wear uniforms while on duty, however, these costs will be accrued by the Federal employees.