Colorado Legislature Considers Central Sterile Processing Bill

Senate bill 20-087 was introduced in the Colorado Senate on January 13, 2020 and assigned to the Senate Health Care and Health Insurance Committee. The bill is backed by the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Material Management (IAHCSMM). It would require central service technicians in Colorado to pass a nationally accredited central service exam and hold certification as either a registered central service technician or a sterile processing and distribution technician.

Central service technicians employed on December 31, 2020 would be grandfathered and not required to later obtain certification. In addition, new central service technicians are allowed an 18-month grace period during which they may work while seeking examination and certification. If enacted, the bill would become effective December 31, 2020.

For more information on legislation and regulations impacting the perioperative practice in your state, please visit your AORN State Page or contact AORN’s Senior Manager of Government Affairs, Jennifer Pennock.