Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic physicians and staff will no longer be required to cover their tattoos, with some exceptions, due to a new dress policy set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2018, the Post-Bulletin reports.
Under the updated rule, tattoos "may be visible if the images or words do not convey violence, discrimination, profanity or sexually explicit content. Tattoos containing such messages must be covered with bandages, clothing, or cosmetics. Mayo Clinic reserves the right to judge the appearance of visible tattoos," according to the report.
A spokesperson for Mayo Clinic told Becker's Hospital Review via email Friday employees' professionalism and standards of dress are important aspects of the patient experience.
"The professional appearance and conduct of our employees are important parts of the Mayo Clinic experience for patients, their families and visitors in clinical and nonclinical areas. Dress and decorum guidelines help Mayo Clinic employees understand expectations concerning appearance and conduct, to ensure that our patients feel welcome, respected, comfortable and safe. While aspects of the policy are changing, employees are still expected to project a professional appearance and demeanor," the spokesperson wrote.
Current Mayo Clinic employees with tattoos declined to comment to the Post-Bulletin about the change in dress code policy, the report states.
The health system has long maintained strict rules regarding employees' appearance. It ended a long-standing rule requiring female employees to wear pantyhose in 2015.