A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping assure the washing of a person's hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which may be removed by washing. A marking mechanism is coupled with or contains the easily identifiable substance and the hand of the person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. Substantially concurrent (or somewhat delayed) with the hand being marked a signal is given off which helps assure that the person actually uses the marking mechanism. Another way to coerce use of the marking mechanism and to allow authority figures to monitor use of the marking mechanism is a information recording device which tracks use of the marking mechanism.