MO HB2035

Defines "surgical technology" as intraoperative surgical patient care including operating room preparation, sterile field management, anticipating surgical team needs, and performing tasks at the sterile field such as passing instruments, sponging, suctioning, handling specimens, and assisting with counts.

Requires persons practicing as surgical technologists in licensed health care facilities to either: (1) complete an accredited surgical technology program and hold Surgical Technologist Certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting; (2) complete military or U.S. Public Health Service surgical technology training; (3) provide evidence of prior employment as a surgical technologist before August 28, 2010; or (4) be employed by the federal government.

Permits newly graduated surgical technologists to practice for 12 months after graduation without certification, but requires certification to continue employment beyond that period.

Mandates 15 hours of annual continuing education for certified surgical technologists and requires health care facilities to verify compliance with continuing education and certification maintenance requirements.

Places supervision and oversight responsibilities on licensed health care facilities and the Department of Health and Senior Services, while exempting licensed practitioners performing surgical technology tasks within their scope of practice.