FL S0962

Creates new law requiring licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to employ central service technicians only if they hold a nationally accredited certification (Certified Registered Central Service Technician or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician credential) or were employed in the field on or before December 31, 2023

Requires new central service technicians hired after December 31, 2023 to obtain required certification within 18 months of hire date as a condition of continued employment

Mandates all qualifying central service technicians complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually related to their job functions

Defines "central service technician" as a person who decontaminates, inspects, assembles, disassembles, packages, and sterilizes reusable medical instruments or devices in licensed facilities

Exempts health care practitioners acting within their scope of license, students or interns under direct supervision, and persons holding other nationally accredited health services credentials from these requirements

Requires facilities to provide written verification of a technician's employment dates or contract period upon request

Takes effect July 1, 2023