Bill > H7076

This bill establishes a new chapter in Rhode Island law to create a licensing system for certified surgical first assistants, who will assist licensed doctors during surgeries. The Department of Health will oversee this licensing process, guided by a seven-member Board of Licensure for Certified Surgical First Assistants. This board will be composed of two licensed surgeons, two public representatives not in healthcare, and three certified surgical first assistants or experienced healthcare practitioners. The bill defines "surgical assisting" to include various patient care duties performed under a doctor's supervision and specifies that surgical facilities must employ licensed certified surgical first assistants, with some exceptions for registered nurses and other licensed healthcare providers acting within their scope of practice, or for individuals granted a waiver by the department. To become licensed, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as holding a credential from a recognized surgical assistant board, completing a military surgical assistant training program, or having at least one year of experience as a surgical assistant in the state, and will be required to complete continuing education to maintain their license. The bill also outlines grounds for refusing, suspending, or revoking a license, and establishes a confidential file system for relevant professional conduct information. This new licensing system is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Health and Social Services

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