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Committee lays over bill requiring certification for central sterile-processing technicians
Summary
House File 1883 would require new central service (sterile-processing) technicians to hold certification and maintain continuing education. Supporters, including the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association and hospital managers, cited infection risks and examples of patient exposures from improperly reprocessed instruments; members praised the
House File 1883, introduced by Representative Gilman and amended, would require central sterile-processing technicians (those who clean, inspect, sterilize and reassemble surgical instruments) to hold a certification and maintain annual continuing education credits.
Why it matters: Witnesses cited documented instances in Minnesota where improperly processed instruments prompted patient notifications and elevated infection risk. Testifiers said the work is technically complex — flexible endoscopes can have dozens of cleaning steps — and that certified technicians improve patient safety.
Testimony: Josephine Colacci of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association supported the bill and noted that six other states already require similar certification; Matthew Fell, president of the Minnesota Sterile Processing Association and sterile-processing manager, described the volume and complexity of instruments handled and the steps required for safe reprocessing.
Member reaction: Several members, including Representative Bierman and Representative Zalisa Card, praised the bill after touring central service facilities or recounting personal sepsis experiences; members said the requirement would address a safety gap.
Outcome: The committee adopted the author's amendment (A2-1) and laid House File 1883 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill.
