239.02.23 Ark. Code R. 005

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 10, October, 2024

Rule 239.02.23-005 - Rule 40 - Surgical Technologists

1.DEFINITIONS:

A. "Surgical technologist" means an individual who performs the skills and techniques of surgical technology under the direction and supervision of a licensed practitioner other than in the course of practicing as a licensed healthcare professional; and

B. "Surgical technology" means surgical patient care that includes without limitation:

(1) Preparing an operating room and a sterile field for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is assembled and functioning properly and safely;

(2) Preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique;

(3) Performing tasks in a sterile field, including:

(a) Maintaining asepsis and a sterile operating field;

(b) Passing supplies, equipment, or instruments according to the needs of the surgical team;

(c) Sponging or suctioning an operative site;

(d) Preparing and cutting suture material;

(e) Providing irrigation solutions to the supervising physician and irrigating an operative site;

(f) Providing drugs within the sterile field for administration by the supervising physician;

(g) Handling specimens;

(h) Holding retractors and other instruments;

(i) Applying electrocautery to clamp on blood vessels;

(j) Connecting drains to a suction apparatus;

(k) Applying dressing to closed wounds; and

(l) Performing counts of supplies such as sponges, needles, and instruments with the registered nurse circulator; and

(4) The practice of surgical technology is a separate and distinct healthcare profession that does not include the practice of surgical assisting as performed by physician assistants, surgical assistants, or first assistants.

2.REGISTRATION:

The Arkansas State Medical Board shall register as a surgical technologist an applicant who:

A. Successfully completed a nationally accredited surgical technology program and holds a current credential as a certified surgical technologist from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or its successor or a national organization approved by the Arkansas State Medical Board;

B. Has successfully completed a surgical technologist training program during the person's service as a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces; or

C. Has been employed to practice as a surgical technologist at any time within the six (6) months before July 1, 2017, if the applicant registers with the Arkansas State Medical Board on or before March 31, 2020.

3.TITLE PROTECTION:

A person shall not use or assume the title "registered surgical technologist" unless the person is registered with the Arkansas State Medical Board.

4.RENEWAL:

In order to maintain registration, each individual who holds a surgical technologist registration must renew the registration each year.

5.FEES:

The Board will charge an application fee of $25.00 and an annual renewal fee of $10.00 for surgical technologists registered with the Board.

239.02.23 Ark. Code R. 005

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume 49, Number 02, Effective 2/10/2024