IL HB1598

Establishes qualification requirements for surgical technologists hired by health care facilities on or after January 1, 2028, requiring completion of a nationally accredited surgical technology program and certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Center for Competency Testing

Allows alternative pathways to qualification including military surgical technology training, registration under the Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act, or documented practice at a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical center before January 1, 2028

Exempts critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, and facilities located more than 60 miles from an accredited surgical technology program in Illinois from the definition of covered health care facilities

Provides exemption for facilities in Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas, though these facilities must maintain a hiring preference for certified surgical technologists from accredited programs

Does not restrict licensed healthcare professionals (physicians, physician assistants, nurses) from performing surgery-related tasks within their scope of practice, nor prevent students from performing surgical technology services under direct supervision