Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2203

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the qualifications of surgical technologists; providing penalties.

Impact

The proposed legislation will significantly impact the operational requirements of healthcare facilities in Texas. Facilities will have to ensure that their surgical technologists meet the new qualifications or face penalties. These provisions may result in increased operational costs for healthcare providers, as they may need to invest in training programs or adjust their hiring practices to comply with the new certification requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 2203 aims to establish new qualifications for surgical technologists in Texas healthcare facilities. The bill mandates that, in order for surgical technologists to be employed in licensed facilities, they must complete an accredited educational program and hold the necessary certification from a recognized certifying body. The emphasis on credentialing serves to enhance the standard of care provided during surgical procedures and ensure that personnel are adequately trained and qualified to assist surgical teams effectively.

Contention

A potential point of contention surrounding SB2203 could arise from the urgency of compliance and its impact on staffing levels at health care facilities. Under the bill, facilities are allowed to employ individuals who do not meet the certification requirement temporarily if they are unable to find qualified surgical technologists. This provision could lead to debates regarding the adequacy of oversight and whether it sufficiently protects patient safety while addressing staffing shortages.

Companion Bills

TX HB643

Identical Relating to the qualifications of surgical technologists; providing penalties.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4867

Relating to health care transparency, including advertising, identification, and notice requirements for certain health facilities and health professionals; authorizing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB4365

Relating to the adoption and implementation of a surgical smoke evacuation system policy at certain health care facilities.

TX SB707

Relating to the adoption and implementation of a surgical smoke evacuation system policy at certain health care facilities.

TX SB2378

Relating to prohibiting a public entity from providing financial assistance for abortion or abortion-related services; providing civil penalties.

TX HB5249

Relating to prohibiting a public entity from providing financial assistance for abortion or abortion-related services; providing civil penalties.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB248

Relating to solicitation of patients and other prohibited marketing practices and the establishment of the task force on patient solicitation; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB148

Relating to certain heat safety protections; providing administrative and civil penalties.

TX HB2057

Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

CA AB1069

Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: supervision.

MS HB1028

Medical radiation technologists; extend repealers on regulation of and revise definition of nuclear medicine tech.

CA AB460

Radiologic technologists: venipuncture: direct supervision.

MS HB259

Medical radiation technologists; delete repealers on registration statutes.

MS SB2321

Nuclear medicine; establish definition and terminology.

MS SB2572

Medical Radiation Technology; extend repealer on provisions related to.

LA SCR41

Commends the Louisiana Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists and recognizes September 19-25, 2021, as National Surgical Technologists Week.

VA HB2222

Surgical technologists and surgical assistants; practice prior to certification of licensure.