Bill > H0711

This bill creates new regulations for central service technicians (CSTs) working in licensed hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Florida, with the primary goal of ensuring patient safety and maintaining professional standards. The legislation defines a central service technician as a professional responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing reusable medical instruments, and requires such technicians to meet specific certification and continuing education requirements. Specifically, CSTs must either hold a nationally accredited credential in central service or sterile processing, or have been employed in the role before December 31, 2026. Technicians who do not initially meet these requirements will have 18 months after their hire date to obtain the necessary certification, and must complete at least 10 hours of relevant continuing education annually to maintain their employment. The bill provides exemptions for healthcare practitioners working within their licensed scope, students or interns under direct supervision, and individuals with other relevant healthcare credentials. Licensed facilities are also required to provide written verification of employment dates upon a CST's request. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, giving healthcare facilities and current CSTs ample time to prepare for and comply with the new requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/711