DE HB279

Requires central service technicians in hospitals and freestanding surgical centers to pass a nationally accredited exam and hold either a Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician credential.

Exempts individuals already employed as central service technicians on January 1, 2023 from the certification requirement.

New hires must obtain certification within 18 months of their employment date.

Mandates all employed central service technicians complete 10 hours of continuing education annually in subject areas related to their work.

Exempts licensed health care practitioners and students/interns working under direct supervision of a health care practitioner from certification requirements.

Requires health care facilities to maintain documentation verifying certification status and employment dates.

Takes effect January 1, 2023.