This bill establishes new requirements for central service technicians working in health care facilities in Minnesota, as outlined in a new section of the Minnesota Statutes, chapter 148. It defines a central service technician as a person responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable medical instruments or devices. The bill mandates that health care facilities can only employ or retain central service technicians who have passed a nationally accredited exam and hold relevant credentials, or who were employed in this capacity before December 31, 2027. Additionally, those who do not meet the credentialing requirements upon hire must obtain the necessary certification within 18 months.

Furthermore, the bill requires that central service technicians complete ten hours of continuing education annually to maintain their qualifications. It also clarifies that certain individuals, such as health care practitioners and students under supervision, are exempt from these requirements. Health care facilities are obligated to verify the employment dates of central service technicians upon request. The provisions of this bill will take effect 180 days after final enactment.