Bill > S1138

This bill creates new regulations for central service technicians (CSTs) who work in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Florida. The bill defines a central service technician as a person who decontaminates, inspects, assembles, disassembles, packages, and sterilizes reusable medical instruments or devices. The legislation aims to ensure patient safety by establishing minimum competency requirements for these healthcare workers. Under the new law, licensed facilities may only employ CSTs who have passed a nationally accredited exam and either hold a certified registered central service technician credential, a certified sterile processing and distribution technician credential, or were already employed in the role before December 31, 2026. CSTs who do not initially meet these requirements must obtain the necessary certification within 18 months of being hired. Additionally, CSTs must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education annually related to their job functions. The bill includes exemptions for healthcare practitioners working within their scope of practice, students or interns working under direct supervision, and individuals with other healthcare credentials. Upon request, facilities must also provide written verification of a CST's employment dates. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025.