AB 744

This bill imposes qualification requirements for persons employed by a hospital

or ambulatory surgery center to perform surgical technology. The bill defines

surgical technology as surgical patient care that involves preparing an operating

room, equipment, and supplies for surgery, and performing various tasks during

surgery, including handling equipment and supplies and irrigating and sponging an

operative site. Under the bill, a hospital or ambulatory surgery center may not

employ a person to perform surgical technology unless the person is certified by the

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting; has completed

training in surgical technology while serving in the U.S. armed forces or the federal

public health service; is employed to perform surgical technology on the effective date

of this bill; or is a licensed nurse, physician, or physician assistant. The bill also

requires those persons who qualify on the basis of certification by the National Board

of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to complete continuing education

relating to surgical technology.