Georgia Surgical Technologist Bill Introduced

On April 2, Georgia Representative Jasperse introducedHB 739 to require that surgical technologists attend an accredited program and obtain and maintain certification in order to work in Georgia facilities. Individuals employed before July 1, 2020 would be grandfathered in under the law, and new graduates would have six months to obtain certification, during which time they could be working.

The Georgia Legislature has adjourned for 2019 but the bill will carry over into the 2020 session. In the interim, AORN will work to educate legislators that the surgical technologist role is under the Board of Nursing, thus any certification should not be regulated separately under the Board of Medicine. Surgical technologists reporting to dual regulating agencies can lead to dangerous confusion in the operating room.

If you are interested in getting involved in Georgia to ensure the perioperative RN perspective is heard, please contact AORN Government Affairs Senior Manager Jennifer Pennock.