IL HB4490

Requires surgical technologists hired by Illinois health care facilities on or after January 1, 2028 to complete a nationally accredited program and obtain certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Center for Competency Testing.

Allows alternative qualification pathways including military surgical technology training, state registration as a surgical technologist, or prior experience at licensed facilities 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.

Facilities in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas are exempt from requirements but must maintain hiring preference for certified graduates of accredited programs.

Does not restrict licensed physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, or supervised students from performing surgery-related tasks within their scope of practice.