CA AB2062

Prohibits health facilities from employing surgical technologists or contracting with individuals to practice surgical technology unless they meet specified training and certification requirements or were practicing surgical technology at a health facility prior to January 1, 2015.

Requires surgical technologists to either complete an accredited educational program and maintain certification from an accredited credentialing organization, or provide evidence of prior employment in surgical technology with continuing education equivalent to certification maintenance.

Allows health facilities a 12-month grace period following completion of an educational or training program for surgical technologists to employ individuals before certification is required.

Permits facilities to employ non-certified surgical technologists if they document a diligent recruitment effort and inability to find sufficient certified personnel, provided those individuals complete equivalent continuing education or skills training.

Violations of this section are not subject to criminal penalties and do not apply to licensed health care practitioners acting within their scope of practice.