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 (H.B. 643), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.