MO HB526

Defines surgical technologist as a person who practices surgical technology in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers, including tasks such as preparing operating rooms, maintaining sterile fields, passing instruments, and performing counts with nursing staff.

Requires surgical technologists to meet one of four qualifications: hold a Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, complete military or federal health service training, provide evidence of employment as a surgical technologist prior to August 28, 2011, or be in federal government service.

Allows a twelve-month grace period for newly trained surgical technologists to work without certification, but requires ongoing certification verification thereafter.

Mandates that surgical technologists who qualify under military training or prior employment provisions complete 15 hours of continuing education annually and maintain required certifications.

Permits health care facilities to employ non-qualified individuals only after making documented, diligent efforts to hire qualified surgical technologists, and exempts licensed practitioners acting within their license scope from these requirements.