Surgical technologists are currently the only professionals in New Jersey operating rooms not required by law to have any particular training or credentialing as prerequisite to being hired in New Jersey. Therefore we, the ‘New Jersey State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists’ are proposing a bill to require certification as a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) to as a prerequisite to work as a surgical technologist in the state of New Jersey.
Currently you must be a graduate of a CAAHEP or now ABHES accredited surgical technology program to be eligible to sit for the CST exam given by the NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants). This is the only surgical technology certification that will be recognized in this legislative bill.
We the NJ-AST officers are just beginning the process of promoting this bill. We have not yet begun the legislative process. We will be meeting with Ben Price, CST, BS, the AST National Director of Government Affairs the third week of May 2008 to learn how to begin this process. We are told by Mr. Price it takes approximately two years to get this bill passed once it is formulated and presented for legislative approval.
Our goal is not to eliminate or exclude any surgical technologists already working in the field. I believe when Jim Moffit spoke at our Spring Workshop he was referring to SPD (Sterile Processing Department) technicians who now must be certified or become certified or they cannot work in the state of NJ.
This bill will affect surgical technologists from the time it is passed going forward. When it is passed It will recognize surgical technologists currently working at that time and allow them to continue working under the “grandfather” provisions of the proposed new law. No one loses their job.
Below is a draft of the proposed bill summary. This is the AST format used by other states pending legislation.
Bill Summary:
An act to promote competency in the operating room by creating a pathway to entry for the profession of surgical technology.
Recognizes currently working surgical technologists, and allows them to continue working under the "grandfather" provisions of the proposed new law. No one loses their job.
Creates a path to entry to the profession that includes:
1. Graduation from an accredited school of surgical technology
2. Holding and maintaining national certification (CST) as a prerequisite to employment as a surgical technologist in New Jersey
3. Creates continuing education guidelines
AST supports this surgical technologist entry to practice legislation, which would establish regulations requiring graduation from an accredited school of surgical technology and holding/maintaining the CST credential as prerequisite to work in the state.
The New Jersey State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists, the proponents of this bill, are working hard pushing for passage of this important legislation.
Support this legislation, contact your New Jersey State Legislators today!