FL H0281

Amends Florida Statutes section 395.0191 to establish definitions and employment requirements for surgical assistants and surgical technologists in health care facilities.

Requires facilities to employ or contract only certified surgical assistants (holding certifications from National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, National Surgical Assistant Association, or American Board of Surgical Assistants) and certified surgical technologists (holding National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting certification).

Exempts persons employed or contracted in these roles between January 1, 2013, and July 1, 2013, from certification requirements.

Exempts licensed health care practitioners and students whose duties fall within their scope of training and practice, as well as accredited program students who may practice for 1 year after program completion before meeting certification criteria.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.