Michigan hospitals are joining more than 26 other states in improving patient safety by standardizing the colors of three patient alert wristbands: red (allergy), yellow (fall risk), and purple (do-not-resuscitate). By standardizing color-coded patient alert wristbands, Michigan hospitals are helping to reduce the potential for confusion when patients, nurses, doctors, and other staff travel between hospitals. This is another step forward in providing patients in Michigan hospitals with the safest possible care.

This voluntary, statewide initiative, led by the collaborative efforts of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), the MHA Patient Safety Organization (PSO) and the MHA PSO Wristband Task Force, has produced a standardization toolkit to assist Michigan hospitals in the implementation process.

Patient Alert Wristband Standardization Toolkit

• Entire Implementation Toolkit

  • Table of Contents

  • Tab 1

  • Tab 2
  • Tab 3
  • Tab 4
  • Tab 5

  • Tab 6

  • Tab 7

  • Tab 8




• Staff Education PowerPoint

• Frequently Asked Questions - updated 2-17-09

• Related Educational Materials

• Jan. 28 Webinar Recording

If you have questions regarding patient alert wristband standardization, please contact Ruthanne Sudderth at (517) 703-8631 or rsudderth@mha.org at the MHA.

If you have questions about the MHA Patient Safety Organization, please contact Sam Watson at swatson@mha.org or (517) 323-3443 at the MHA.