SB 178 - This act requires a person who performs certain tasks related to surgeries to complete specific educational or training requirements, if the person was not employed to practice surgical technology before August 28, 2011, or working for the federal government. If a person does not have a Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, then the person is required to complete fifteen hours of continuing education to work as a surgical technologist. Health care facilities are required to verify that a person who performs certain tasks related to surgery meets these continuing education requirements.
A health care facility is allowed to employ a person who does not have the required education or training, but the facility must document that it is unable to employ or contract with a surgical technologist who meets the requirements of this act.
This act does not prohibit any licensed practitioner from performing surgical tasks, if the person is acting within the scope of their license.
The Department of Health and Senior Services is required to oversee compliance with this act.
This act is similar to HB 526 (2011).
EMILY KALMER