Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Surgical Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears bill to license surgical assistants and technologists
Summary
Sponsor testimony on HB 423 proposed a licensure framework for surgical assistants and technologists, with grandfathering and waivers for shortage areas; sponsors said the measure improves patient safety and aligns Ohio with other states' standards.
Vice Chair Dieter presented sponsor testimony for House Bill 423, which would create state-level regulation of surgical assistants and surgical technologists under the State Medical Board of Ohio. The bill would require evidence of credentialing for surgical assistants, provide a grandfathering provision for those who practiced in the prior six months, require surgical technologists to hold certification from an accredited program, and include staggered effective dates to allow time for compliance (assistants: five years; technologists: three years).
Dieter said the bill fills an oversight gap: "Most people are surprised to learn that Ohio has no minimum requirements for education or training for individuals who perform invasive hands-on tasks as surgical assistants." He argued licensure enhances patient safety while avoiding unnecessary workforce disruption through grandfathering and waivers for shortage areas.
Members questioned whether Ohio hospitals and surgical teams are currently unsafe without licensure and requested examples of harm; the sponsor said proponents would provide case examples from supporters. The committee concluded the first hearing and invited further documentation from proponents.
