NC H43

Establishes minimum qualifications for surgical technologists employed by hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, including completion of an accredited program and Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, military training, or documentation of prior employment as of December 31, 2019.

Allows a 12-month probationary period for newly trained surgical technologists to practice before obtaining certification, after which they must obtain the credential to continue employment.

Requires certified surgical technologists to comply with continuing education requirements set by their credentialing organization and non-certified technologists to complete 30 hours of relevant continuing education every two years.

Permits hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to hire non-qualified individuals only if they make diligent recruitment efforts and cannot find sufficient qualified technologists, and ensures any non-certified employee complies with continuing education requirements.

Becomes effective January 1, 2020, with the Department of Health and Human Services authorized to take adverse action against facilities that violate these standards.