MO SB178

Adds section 334.1100 to Missouri law establishing requirements for surgical technologists in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers licensed under chapter 197

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 Public Health Service training, provide evidence of prior employment before August 28, 2011, or be employed by the federal government

Allows health care facilities to employ graduates of surgical technology programs for 12 months following completion without required certification, but may continue employment beyond that period without certification documentation

Mandates annual completion of 15 hours of continuing education for surgical technologists who qualified under military training or prior employment provisions, with verification by health care facilities

Permits health care facilities to hire unqualified surgical technologists only after demonstrating diligent efforts to hire qualified technologists and documenting those efforts in a written record maintained at the facility