Coming back from AORN last week made me think about all the excellent presentations. Many of the presentations talked about standards and their impact on patient care. Those presentations reinforced how important it is that we all know when standards change, because a failure to comply could be damaging to a patient. One such program was given by the SA/SP/MM called Hot Topics Update: Sterilization and Standards. AORN has updated the "Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices for 2011". Some of the updates found in the 2011 edition deal with laser safety, surgical attire, retained surgical items. Now would be a good time to get these updated standards and practices for your department and see how they can help you and your facility maintain and achieve "Best Practices" according to AORN. Take care and always remember to "Keep it Clean"