IL SB0251

Creates the Operating Room Patient Safety Act establishing qualification requirements for surgical technologists hired or contracted by health care facilities on or after January 1, 2027

Surgical technologists must meet one of the following: completion of a nationally accredited educational program plus national certification, military/US Public Health Service training, registration under the Registered Surgical Technologist Title Protection Act, or prior experience at a licensed hospital or ambulatory surgical center before January 1, 2027

Technologists who complete educational requirements but lack certification at time of hire must obtain national certification within 18 months

Exempts critical access hospitals and rural emergency hospitals from the requirements

Licensed healthcare providers acting within their scope of practice and students/interns under direct supervision may perform surgical technology services without meeting these requirements