CA AB2561

Makes it unlawful for a person to use the title "certified surgical technologist" unless they complete a nationally accredited surgical technology program and hold certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or another nationally accredited credentialing organization.

Defines "surgical technology" as intraoperative patient care performed under direction or supervision of a physician, surgeon, or registered nurse, including preparing operating rooms, anticipating surgical team needs, and performing tasks at the sterile field such as passing instruments, sponging, preparing sutures, and assisting with instrument sterilization.

Exempts registered nurses, vocational nurses, and health care facility employees whose primary functions are cleaning or sterilizing supplies and equipment from the certification requirements.

Does not restrict the scope of practice for any licensed health care practitioner or modify existing supervision requirements for surgical technologists.

Declares that encouraging education and training of certified surgical technologists is intended to prevent surgical site infections, which are the second most common hospital-acquired infections in the United States.