HF 77 (LSB 1225YH (4) 91)

HOUSE FILE 77

BY  JONES

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to practice requirements for surgical technologists.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  148K.1  Definitions.
   1.  As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
   a.  “Health care facility” means all of the following:
   (1)  A facility as defined in section 514J.102.
   (2)  A facility licensed pursuant to chapter 135B or 135C.
   b.  “Surgical technology” means surgical patient care that includes but is not limited to all of the following:
   (1)  Preparation of an operating room for a surgical procedure by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely.
   (2)  Preparation of an operating room and the sterile field for a surgical procedure by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile techniques.
   (3)  Anticipation of a surgical team’s needs based on knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology and the relationship to a surgical patient and the surgical procedure being performed.
   (4)  As directed in an operating room setting, performance of tasks including all of the following:
   (a)  Passing supplies, equipment, or instruments.
   (b)  Sponging or suctioning an operative site.
   (c)  Preparing and cutting suture material.
   (d)  Transferring fluids or drugs.
   (e)  Holding retractors and other instruments.
   (f)  Handling specimens.
   (g)  Applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
   (h)  Connecting drains to suction apparatuses.
   (i)  Applying dressings to closed wounds.
   (j)  Assisting in sponge, needle, supply, and instrument counts.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  148K.2  Surgical technology —— practice requirements
   1.  A person shall not practice surgical technology in a health care facility, and a health care facility shall not employ or contract with a person to engage in surgical technology, unless at least one of the following requirements has been satisfied:
   a.  The person has successfully completed a nationally or regionally accredited surgical technology program.
   b.  The person holds and maintains a certification issued by the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or another nationally recognized credentialing organization.
   c.  The person has completed a surgical technology training program in the United States army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, or public health service.
   d.  The person provides evidence that the person has been employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility in this state prior to July 1, 2025.
   e.  The person is in the service of the federal government and surgical technology duties are required as part of their service.
   2.  a.  Beginning July 1, 2026, a person qualified to practice surgical technology under subsection 1 shall annually complete fifteen hours of continuing education to remain qualified to practice surgical technology.
   b.  The department of inspections, appeals, and licensing shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to establish procedures and standards for surgical technology continuing education.
   3.  A health care facility that employs a person to practice surgical technology shall verify the person’s compliance with subsection 1 and the continuing education requirements under subsection 2.
    Sec. 3.  NEW SECTION.  148K.3  Practice of surgical technology —— other licensed professionals.
   This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit a person licensed under chapter 148, 152, 153, or 154 from practicing surgical technology if that person is acting within the scope of the person’s license.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to practice requirements for surgical technologists.
   The bill defines “health care facility” (facility) and “surgical technology” (technology).
   The bill prohibits any person from practicing technology in a facility, and prohibits facilities from employing or contracting with a person to engage in technology, unless that person has successfully completed a nationally or regionally accredited technology program; holds and maintains a certification issued by the national board of surgical technology and surgical assisting or another nationally recognized credentialing organization; has completed a technology training program in the United States army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, or public health service; provides evidence that they have been employed to practice technology in a health care facility in this state prior to July 1, 2025; or is in the service of the federal government and technology duties are required as part of their service.
   Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill requires a person qualified to practice technology to annually complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE). The bill directs the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing to adopt rules relating to technology CE.
   The bill requires facilities that employ a person to practice technology to verify the person’s compliance with technology practice and CE requirements.
   The bill is not to be construed to prohibit people licensed under Code chapter 148 (medicine and surgery and osteopathic medicine and surgery), 152 (nursing), 153 (dentistry), or 154 (optometry) from practicing technology if the person is acting within the scope of the person’s license.