Sponsored by:
Assemblyman HERB CONAWAY, JR.
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Revises scope of practice for surgical technologists to allow them to perform additional procedures involving ligation and skin and tissue closures.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning surgical technologists and amending P.L.2011, c.148.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 1 of P.L.2011, c.148 (C.26:2H-12.62) is amended to read as follows:
1. For purposes of this act:
"Health care facility" means a hospital or other health care facility licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.).
"Surgical technologist" means a person who is authorized to practice surgical technology pursuant to the provisions of this act.
"Surgical technology" means surgical patient care that includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks or functions:
(1) preparing the operating room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely;
(2) preparing the operating room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique;
(3) anticipating the needs of the surgical team based on knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology and how they relate to the surgical patient and the patient's surgical procedure; and
(4) as directed, performing tasks at the sterile field including:
(a) passing supplies, equipment or instruments;
(b) sponging or suctioning an operative site;
(c) preparing and cutting suture material;
(d) transferring and irrigating with fluids;
(e) transferring and administering drugs within the sterile field, according to applicable law;
(f) handling specimens;
(g) holding retractors and other instruments;
(h) applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders;
(i) connecting drains to suction apparatus;
(j) applying dressings to closed wounds; [and]
(k) performing sponge, needle, supply and instrument counts with the registered nurse circulator;
(l) ligating and approximating tissues with sutures and clamps;
(m) placing ligature sutures and clamping, tying, and clipping blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry; and
(n) assisting in closure of skin and subcutaneous tissue.
(cf: P.L.2011, c.148, s.1)
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill expands the scope of practice for surgical technologists, who are trained professionals authorized to assist in the surgical suite during operative procedures in a number of ways, including: passing and transferring supplies, medications, instruments, and equipment; sponging or suctioning operative sites; irrigating with fluids; handling specimens; holding retractors and other instruments; performing electrocautery; connecting drains to suction apparatus; applying dressings to closed wounds; and performing sponge, needle, supply, and instrument counts.
Specifically, this bill would add to this list of procedures: ligating and approximating tissues with sutures and clamps; placing ligature sutures and clamping, tying, and clipping blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry; and assisting in the closure of skin and subcutaneous tissue.