House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 2nd edition.

Amends proposed new GS 131E-79.3, pertaining to hospital standards for surgical technology care, and new GS 131E-147.2, pertaining to ambulatory surgical facility (facility) standards for surgical technology care. Modifies the qualifications for employment by a hospital or facility, now allowing a hospital or facility to employ or contract with an individual to practice surgical technology if the individual provides documentation of employment to practice surgical technology during the three years immediately preceding December 31, 2019 (previously, required documentation of active and continuous employment to practice during the specified time period). Expands the exception provided for employing or contracting with an individual who does not meet the qualifications to any hospital or facility meeting the specified requirements regarding efforts to employ a qualified surgical technologist, records retention, and compliance with continuing education requirements (previously, the exception was limited to hospitals and facilities located in a tier one county who meets the specified requirements).