Oh, those crazy doctors, always carrying methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus-infested accessories! A small but vocal group of lawmakers are proposing a bill that would bar doctors and other hospital staffers from wearing neckties in clinical settings, with the hope of reducing germ transmission from the paisley-patterned cloth. But is this really necessary?

State Senator Diane Savino said the law will help save lives: "This is a very simple equation. Adopting a hygienic dress code for medical professionals means less infections, less lawsuits [and] lower medical malpractice premiums." But the medical community is calling BS: Dr. Theodore Strange (great name) of Staten Island University Hospital said, "It's ridiculous" and added there's no evidence to prove that ties cause infections. Plus, there are looks to consider: "Appearance is important," said Dr. Strange. "Patients don't want their doctors dressed too casually. For men, that means a necktie, which is tucked into a lab coat which is buttoned."

Although a similar move was passed in England a few years back, doctors there griped that the ban was futile against germs and that they felt less professional without their neckties. Really, what ever happened to good old-fashioned washing your hands?