House committee substitute makes the following changes to the 1st edition.

Amends definition of  surgical technology  to clarify that the listed tasks performed in the sterile field must be performed as directed by the surgical team. Amends new GS 131E­79.3(b) to clarify that the employment qualifications for surgical technologists required in the statute are minimum qualifications. Adjusts the qualifications to require evidence of completion of the described accreditation or training programs, and to clarify that the qualification for employees of agencies or institutions of the federal government requires employment practicing surgical technology. Allows hospitals to employ or contract with individuals qualified under new GS 131E­79.3(b)(4) so long as that individual completes 15 hours of continuing education annually.

Amends the codification of GS Chapter 131E, Part 4, Article 6, to place the new statute regulating Ambulatory surgical facility standards for surgical technology care at GS 131E­147.2, instead of GS 131E­147.10. Makes amendments identical to those described above to new GS 131E­147.2.

Adds captions for subsections throughout the act. Makes technical and clarifying changes.