Bill Summaries: S333 ESTABLISH SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS.

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  • Summary date: Mar 20 2023 - View Summary

    Enacts GS 131E-78.4, applicable to hospitals, and GS 131E-147.2, applicable to ambulatory surgical facilities, establishing required qualifications for surgical technologists employed by hospitals or ambulatory surgical facilities (facilities). Defines surgical technology to mean surgical patient care; includes a nonexhaustive list of perioperative tasks or functions directed by the surgeon covered by the term. Bars facilities from employing or contracting for services of a surgical technologist unless the individual (1) provides evidence of successfully completing an accredited educational program and maintains an accredited surgical technologist certification credential, (2) provides evidence of successfully completing an appropriate training program for surgical technology in the US military, or (3) provides documentation of employment to practice surgical technology in a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical facility on December 31, 2023.

    Permits employment or contracting with an individual to practice surgical technology during the 12-month period immediately following successful completion of aa surgical technology program, but prohibits further employment or contracting without documentation that the required credential has been obtained.  

    Permits facilities to employ or contract with individuals who do not meet the statutes' qualifications if the facility has made a diligent and thorough effort but cannot employ or contract with sufficient qualified surgical technologists who satisfy the requirements and the facility documents and retains records of these efforts. 

    Provides that the statute has no effect on a licensed practitioner's ability to perform tasks or functions within the scope of his or her license. 

    Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to take adverse action against facilities for violation of the statute. Authorizes facilities to restrict an employee's eligibility to practice surgical technology if not compliant with the statute's requirements.

    Effective January 1, 2024.