Sec. 5. (a) Except as provided in section 4 of this chapter, an individual may not practice surgical technology in a health care facility unless the individual meets one (1) of the following requirements:

(1) Is certified under IC 25-36.1-1.

(2) Has completed a surgical technology program provided by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or the commissioned corps of the United States Public Health Service.

(3) Provides evidence to the health care facility that the individual was employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before July 1, 2009.

(4) Is performing duties related to the individual's employment by the federal government.

(5) Is practicing surgical technology during the twelve (12) month period immediately following the completion of a degree from an accredited school of surgical technology.

(6) Has the appropriate abilities, as determined by the health care facility.

(b) An individual who is:

(1) described in subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3); and

(2) practicing surgical technology in a health care facility;

annually shall complete fifteen (15) hours of continuing education concerning surgical technology in order to continue practicing surgical technology.

(c) An individual who wants to practice surgical technology in a health care facility is responsible for establishing to the satisfaction of the health care facility that the individual has complied with this section.

(d) An individual practicing surgical technology in a health care facility is responsible for immediately notifying in writing the governing body of the health care facility, or the governing body's designee, of any changes in the individual's compliance with this section.

(e) A health care facility shall maintain copies of any written documentation provided by the individual to the health care facility under subsection (c) or (d) to show compliance with this section.

(f) This chapter does not require a health care facility to permit an individual described in subsection (a) to perform surgical technology services at the health care facility.

As added by P.L.97-2009, SEC.1.