CT SB00894

Requires central service technicians (persons who decontaminate, prepare, sterilize, and distribute reusable medical instruments) to be certified by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management, the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc., or another organization deemed acceptable by the Commissioner of Public Health.

Allows technicians who began work on or after October 1, 2011, to continue practicing if they obtain required certification within 18 months of starting employment.

Mandates health care facilities (outpatient surgical facilities, short-term acute care hospitals, and facilities providing outpatient surgical services) employ or contract only with certified central service technicians and notify existing technicians of their status.

Requires central service technicians to complete a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education annually in areas related to their functions, with extensions available for medical disability, illness, or active military service.

Effective October 1, 2013; Commissioner of Public Health enforces the provisions and may adopt regulations to implement the requirements.