Current Laws
Many of the issues identified in the AORN legislative priorities have been addressed by state and federal legislatures. For example, 34 states already have laws or regulations in place that are specific to having a registered nurse serve as the circulator. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has regulations related to the RN as Circulator although those regulations are not as comprehensive as the AORN legislative priority.
50-State Overview of RN Circulator Requirements (PDF)
CMS RN Circulator Regulations (PDF)
RN Circulator Laws & Regulations (PDF)
RN Circulator Hospital Laws and Regulations Map (PDF)
RN Circulator Ambulatory Surgical Centers Laws and Regulations Map (PDF)
RNFA and OTHER ISSUES
A number of states provide for the third party reimbursement of RNFAs. This section contains summaries of those laws and many others that affect the perioperative nursing practice and patient safety.
RNFA Reimbursement Laws (PDF) RNFA Scope of Practice Laws and Regulations (PDF)
OTHER ISSUES:
Safe Patient Handling Laws and Regulations (PDF)
Informed Consent for Surgery
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services revised the Interpretative Guidelines for the informed consent requirements for surgery in early 2007. These guidelines have not been updated in the "Conditions of Participation" manual for hospitals on the CMS website. The letter below contains the revised provisions.
CMS Informed Consent Rules and Interpretative Guidelines (PDF)