Proposed legislation that would require certification of all newly hired surgical technologists in New York has been sent to the office of N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo for his signature, according to a New York Association of Surgical Technologists news release.
The New York State Assembly and Senate have voted unanimously in favor of this patient safety legislation (A.6539 and S.4563). New York law does not currently require surgical technologists to have any education or certification.
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"Today, in operating rooms throughout New York, literally thousands of surgeries are being performed," said Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, sponsor of A.6539, in the release. "Perhaps, you or a loved one has had surgery recently. Competency of the surgical team is vital to surgical patient safety and optimal outcomes. Patients can now be assured that everyone in the operating room is credentialed and meets minimum education and certification standards."
It is not known if Gov. Cuomo will sign the legislation.
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