Texas House Bill HB643

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by House: 5/6/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/13/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/24/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the qualifications of surgical technologists; providing penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB 643 is expected to significantly impact the hiring practices and operational protocols within health care facilities. By setting a standardized requirement for surgical technologists, the bill aims to improve patient safety and procedural outcomes in operating rooms. It will also likely influence the training programs offered by educational institutions, which may see an increase in enrollment as more individuals seek certification in this high-demand field.

Summary

House Bill 643 seeks to establish qualifications for surgical technologists within health care facilities in Texas. The bill outlines specific requirements that individuals must fulfill to practice surgical technology, such as completing an accredited educational program and obtaining the appropriate certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. The intent behind this legislation is to ensure that surgical technologists are adequately prepared and certified, thus enhancing the quality of surgical care provided to patients.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various health care professionals and organizations advocating for enhanced safety standards, there may be contention surrounding the enforcement of these requirements. Concerns could arise regarding the sufficiency of the current workforce to meet the newly established standards, potentially leading to shortages of qualified surgical technologists. Additionally, there may be debate over the administrative penalties imposed on facilities that fail to comply with the new regulations, raising questions about the balance between maintaining high standards and ensuring adequate staffing levels in surgical departments.