FL H1197

Creates Part XVII of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes to establish minimum requirements for practicing surgical technology in healthcare facilities, with the legislative intent to ensure patient safety and prevent unqualified practitioners from working in the state.

Requires surgical technologists to meet one of four qualifications: hold a Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, complete U.S. Armed Forces or Public Health Service training, provide evidence of employment as of the effective date, or be employed by the Federal Government.

Allows a 12-month grace period for newly trained surgical technologists to practice without certification, but requires certification maintenance thereafter for continued employment.

Mandates 15 hours of annual continuing education for surgical technologists who qualified under military/Armed Forces training or were employed on the effective date.

Exempts licensed practitioners and medical/osteopathic students and residents from certification requirements when performing surgical technology tasks within their professional scope; designates the Agency for Health Care Administration to enforce the requirements effective July 1, 2011.