Sec. 259.001. DEFINITIONS

In this chapter:

(1) "Department" means the Department of State Health Services.

(2) "Surgical technologist" means a person who practices surgical technology.

(3) "Surgical technology" means intraoperative surgical patient care as follows:

(A) preparing the operating room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely;

(B) preparing the operating room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique;

(C) 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;

(D) as directed in an operating room setting, performing the following tasks at the sterile field:

(i) passing supplies, equipment, or instruments;

(ii) sponging or suctioning an operative site;

(iii) preparing and cutting suture material;

(iv) transferring and pouring irrigation fluids;

(v) transferring but not administering drugs within the sterile field;

(vi) handling specimens;

(vii) holding retractors and other instruments;

(viii) applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders;

(ix) connecting drains to suction apparatus;

(x) applying dressings to closed wounds; and

(xi) assisting in counting sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments with the registered nurse circulator;

(E) cleaning and preparing instruments for sterilization on completion of the surgery; and

(F) assisting the surgical team with cleaning of the operating room on completion of the surgery.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 321 , Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.