HB1142 Summary

• Creates the Arkansas Surgical Technologists Act to establish registration of surgical technologists under Arkansas State Medical Board authority

• Defines surgical technologist as an individual performing surgical technology skills under supervision of a practitioner, including preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, maintaining sterile fields, and assisting with surgical procedures

• Establishes three pathways for registration: holding current certification from National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, completing military surgical technologist training, or being employed as a surgical technologist in the six months before July 1, 2015 (with registration deadline of July 1, 2016)

• Prohibits use of the title "registered surgical technologist" unless the person is registered with the Arkansas State Medical Board

• Authorizes the Arkansas State Medical Board to adopt and promulgate rules to implement the surgical technologist registration program