The bill establishes a new section in Florida law, specifically s. 395.1075, which outlines the requirements for central service technicians employed by licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. It defines a "central service technician" and a "health care practitioner," and mandates that these technicians must meet specific criteria to be employed. This includes successfully passing a nationally accredited exam and obtaining certain certifications, such as the certified registered central service technician credential or the certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential, within 18 months of hire if they do not already possess them. Additionally, technicians are required to complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually related to their functions.
The bill also includes provisions for licensed facilities to verify a technician's employment dates upon request and outlines exemptions for health care practitioners, students, interns, and individuals with relevant credentials from nationally accredited organizations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.