NC H365

Requires hospitals licensed under Article 5 of Chapter 131E to have a minimum of one circulating nurse physically present in each operating room during every surgical procedure.

Requires ambulatory surgical facilities licensed under Part 4 of Article 6 of Chapter 131E to have a minimum of one circulating nurse physically present in each operating room during every surgical procedure.

Defines circulating nurse as a registered nurse licensed under Article 9A of Chapter 90 who is educated and trained in perioperative nursing.

Mandates the Commission adopt rules requiring circulating nurses to coordinate nursing care and safety needs of patients and support the surgical team during surgery.

Effective October 1, 2015; the Department shall not issue or renew licenses to hospitals or ambulatory surgical facilities that do not comply with these requirements.