AR HB2230

Amends Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 9, Subchapter 1 to add section 20-9-104 establishing requirements for circulating nurses in operating rooms

Defines "circulating nurse" as a registered nurse licensed in Arkansas and trained in perioperative nursing

Defines "perioperative nursing" as specialized nursing practice involving planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of care for patients during surgical procedures when their protective reflexes or self-care abilities are compromised

Requires hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers licensed in Arkansas to adopt policies ensuring a circulating nurse is assigned to every operating room procedure and remains present for the entire procedure, except when the procedure requires absence, relief by another circulating nurse occurs, or an exceptional emergency exists

Requires circulating nurses to coordinate nursing care and safety needs of patients in the operating room