8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) July 23, 2012

BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

New Jersey

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

001-4802	22-0760120
(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

1 Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey	07417-1880
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(201) 847-6800

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K Filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230425)

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers

Rebecca W. Rimel has been elected to the Board of Directors of Becton, Dickinson and Company (“BD”), effective July 23, 2012, at which time she will become a member of each of the Audit Committee and the Science, Investment and Technology Committee of the Board. A copy of the press release issued by BD in connection with Ms. Rimel’s election is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Information regarding the compensation of the non-management members of BD’s Board of Directors is included under the caption “Non-Management Directors’ Compensation” in BD’s proxy statement relating to its 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated July 23, 2012, which is filed pursuant to Item 5.02.

ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated July 23, 2012, which is filed pursuant to Item 5.02

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
(Registrant)
By:	/s/ Gary DeFazio
	Gary DeFazio
	Vice President and Corporate Secretary

Date: July 24, 2012

Exhibit Index

99.1 Press release dated July 23, 2012, filed pursuant to Item 5.02

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

Contacts:

Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369;

colleen_white@bd.com

Monique N. Dolecki, Investor Relations – 201-847-5378;

monique_dolecki@bd.com

BD Board of Directors Elects Rebecca W. Rimel

Franklin Lakes, NJ (July 23, 2012) – BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX), a leading global medical technology company, announced that it has elected Rebecca W. Rimel to its Board of Directors, effective today.

Ms. Rimel, 61, is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pew Charitable Trusts, a public charity that applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improving public policy, informing the public and stimulating civic life.

“It is an honor to welcome Rebecca Rimel to the BD Board,” said Vincent A. Forlenza, BD Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. “Rebecca brings to BD a unique blend of broad public policy expertise, philanthropic leadership and a strong healthcare background. I am confident that she will provide invaluable insight and perspective as we continue to execute our strategy of accelerating growth through innovation, complemented by operational excellence.”

Ms. Rimel has served in her current role since 1994, after serving as Executive Director and Vice President for Programs for The Pew Charitable Trusts. Her prior experience includes roles at The Glenmede Trust Company, an independent investment and wealth management firm. A registered nurse, Ms. Rimel has more than a decade of experience at the University of Virginia Hospital, serving as Head Nurse – Emergency Department, Coordinator of Medical Out-Patient Facilities, and Assistant Professor, Instructor in Neurosurgery.

In the nonprofit arena, Ms. Rimel currently serves on the board of The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Washington College Board of Visitors and Governors. In the corporate arena, she serves on the boards of Deutsche Asset Management/DWS Funds and CardioNet, a publicly traded wireless medicine company.

Ms. Rimel received a B.S. with Distinction from the University of Virginia School of Nursing and an MBA from James Madison University.

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About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people’s health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD’s capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world’s most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

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