Feb. 22, 2019
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week passed legislation that would require certain surgical team professionals be accredited and take continuing education courses in order to enhance patient safety, said Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), author of the bill.
Specifically,
House Bill 81 would require central service technicians and surgical technologists to pass a nationally accredited exam and maintain continuing education requirements. Currently, neither of these professions require certification in Pennsylvania.
Central service technicians are responsible for ensuring equipment and instruments used during surgical procedures are properly disassembled, cleaned, inspected, sterilized and reassembled prior to patient use. Surgical technologists set up and manage the instruments.
“It is critical to the safety and health of any patient undergoing surgery that every member of the surgical team has the proper education, skills and knowledge to function safely,” said Kauffman. “Certification requirements for these two professions will help to ensure that proper levels are reached and maintained.”
The bill passed the House unanimously and also has the support of the Association of Surgical Technologists and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management.
House Bill 81 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) on the House floor during the final vote for House Bill 81, which would require central service technicians and surgical technologists to pass a nationally accredited exam and maintain continuing education requirements.
Representative Rob Kauffman
89th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepKauffman.com
