The bill proposes the enactment of sections 3702.3013 and 3727.26 of the Revised Code, which establish employment eligibility criteria for surgical assistants and surgical technologists in ambulatory surgical facilities and hospitals in Ohio. Under these new provisions, individuals seeking employment in these roles must demonstrate either recent practice in a surgical setting or hold certification from recognized organizations such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants. Additionally, the bill allows for the approval of alternative certifying organizations by the state medical board and director of health, provided their educational and certification standards are equivalent to those of the recognized organizations.

The bill also includes provisions for waivers for facilities facing shortages of qualified surgical assistants and technologists, allowing them to employ individuals who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria. If a facility is found to be in violation of these employment requirements, the director of health is tasked with assisting the facility in achieving compliance. The new sections will take effect three years after the bill's enactment.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.572, 4731.051, 4731.07, 4731.071, 4731.224, 4731.2210, 4731.24, 4731.25, 4731.251, 4776.01, 4776.20