CT HB05288

Requires hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities to assign a circulating nurse to each surgical procedure in an operating room and ensure the nurse remains present for the entire duration of the procedure.

Defines a circulating nurse as a registered nurse licensed under Connecticut law who is educated, trained, or experienced in perioperative nursing and coordinates patient care and safety in the operating room.

Prohibits hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities from assigning a circulating nurse to multiple procedures that occur concurrently or overlap in time.

Permits a circulating nurse to leave the operating room only when necessary as part of the surgical procedure or when relieved by another circulating nurse.

Takes effect October 1, 2010.