summary
Introduced
05/20/2025
05/20/2025
In Committee
05/20/2025
05/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers from employing or otherwise retaining any individual to perform surgical technology services unless the individual is qualified as provided in the bill. XSurgical technologyY is defined under the bill to mean surgical patient care and includes: 1) collaboration with a team of health care providers prior to a surgical procedure to carry out the plan of care by performing certain preparatory tasks; 2) intraoperative anticipation and response to the needs of a surgeon and other team members in the operating room by monitoring the sterile field and providing the required instruments or supplies in the sterile field; and 3) performance of tasks in the sterile field as directed in an operating room setting, including passing supplies, equipment, or instruments; sponging or suctioning an operative site; preparing and cutting suture material; handling specimens; and holding retractors. To qualify to perform surgical technology services under the bill, an individual must satisfy one of several possible criteria, including 1) successfully completing a training program for surgical technology in connection with the individual[s military service, or 2) successfully completing an accredited educational program for surgical technologists and holding and maintaining a certification as a surgical technologist from a national and accredited certifying body. The bill provides that LRB-2568/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 260 a hospital or ambulatory surgical center may employ or otherwise retain the services of an individual to perform surgical technology services during the 24- month period that immediately follows the individual[s successful completion of an educational program for surgical technologists. The bill provides that these requirements do not apply to a licensed health care provider who may provide surgical technology services within their scope of practice. Further, the bill provides that a hospital or ambulatory surgical center may establish additional requirements for any individual who performs surgical technology services as a condition of employment or contract.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new requirements for surgical technologists working in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Wisconsin, defining surgical technology as a complex set of patient care tasks performed before, during, and after surgical procedures. To perform surgical technology services, individuals must meet specific qualifications, such as completing an accredited educational program and maintaining certification from a national certifying body, or having been employed in the role before December 31, 2027, or having completed a military-based training program. The bill allows a 24-month transition period for recent graduates to obtain required certification and provides exemptions for certain healthcare providers operating within their licensed scope of practice, such as dentists and optometrists. Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are permitted to establish additional employment requirements for surgical technologists. The legislation defines an ambulatory surgical center according to federal regulations and provides a detailed list of surgical technology tasks, including preparing the operating room, maintaining the sterile field, assisting surgeons, handling surgical instruments and supplies, and supporting patient positioning. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2028, giving healthcare facilities and professionals time to prepare for the new certification standards.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (9)
Jesse James (R)*,
Brad Pfaff (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Calvin Callahan (R),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Tara Johnson (D),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
Last Action
Senator Drake added as a coauthor (on 06/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
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State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb260 |
BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB260.pdf |
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