1.
DEFINITIONS:
A. "Surgical technologist" means an
individual who performs the skills and techniques of surgical technology under
the direction and supervision of a licensed practitioner other than in the
course of practicing as a licensed healthcare professional; and
B. "Surgical technology" means surgical
patient care that includes without limitation:
(1) Preparing an operating room and a sterile
field for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is assembled
and functioning properly and safely;
(2) Preparing sterile supplies, instruments,
and equipment using sterile technique;
(3) Performing tasks in a sterile field,
including:
(a) Maintaining asepsis and a
sterile operating field;
(b)
Passing supplies, equipment, or instruments according to the needs of the
surgical team;
(c) Sponging or
suctioning an operative site;
(d)
Preparing and cutting suture material;
(e) Providing irrigation solutions to the
supervising physician and irrigating an operative site;
(f) Providing drugs within the sterile field
for administration by the supervising physician;
(g) Handling specimens;
(h) Holding retractors and other
instruments;
(i) Applying
electrocautery to clamp on blood vessels;
(j) Connecting drains to a suction
apparatus;
(k) Applying dressing to
closed wounds; and
(l) Performing
counts of supplies such as sponges, needles, and instruments with the
registered nurse circulator; and
(4) The practice of surgical technology is a
separate and distinct healthcare profession that does not include the practice
of surgical assisting as performed by physician assistants, surgical
assistants, or first assistants.
2.
REGISTRATION:
The Arkansas State Medical Board shall register as a surgical
technologist an applicant who:
A.
Successfully completed a nationally accredited surgical technology program and
holds a current credential as a certified surgical technologist from the
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or its successor
or a national organization approved by the Arkansas State Medical
Board;
B. Has successfully
completed a surgical technologist training program during the person's service
as a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces; or
C. Has been employed to practice as a
surgical technologist at any time within the six (6) months before July 1,
2017, if the applicant registers with the Arkansas State Medical Board on or
before July 1, 2018.
3.
TITLE PROTECTION:
A person shall not use or assume the title "registered surgical
technologist" unless the person is registered with the Arkansas State Medical
Board.
4.
RENEWAL:
In order to maintain registration, each individual who holds a
surgical technologist registration must renew the registration each
year.
5.
FEES:
The Board will charge an application fee of $25.00 and an annual
renewal fee of $10.00 for surgical technologists registered with the
Board.
