Rep. Deeter Applauds Passage of Bill Establishing Regulations for Surgical Assistants, Technologists in Ohio

State Representative Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) announced that the Ohio House of Representatives this week passed House Bill 423, legislation she sponsored that establishes regulations for the certification of surgical assistants and technologists practicing at Ohio hospitals and surgery centers.

Currently, Ohio law does not include any standards for the education, training, or credentialing of surgical assistants and technologists. House Bill 423 brings about clarity and unified standards for surgical assistants, creating a straightforward regulatory framework under the Department of Health for these individuals. Surgical assistants and technologist practice as highly trained medical professionals with specific expertise in sterile technique, instrumentation, anatomy, and tissue handling.

"House Bill 423 is a practical, balanced approach that strengthens patient safety while supporting Ohio's healthcare workforce," said Rep. Deeter. "Patients deserve confidence that every member of their surgical team has demonstrated the competency and hands-on training necessary to provide safe, high-quality care."

House Bill 423 ensures that those performing invasive surgical tasks meet minimum training and education standards, while also avoiding unnecessary barriers to entering the workforce. The bill aims to enhance patient safety, support surgical teams, and bring Ohio in line with national best practices.

The bill also creates an exemption for individuals who have practiced as surgical assistants or technologists in the state of Ohio at any point for six months prior to the effective date of the bill. Additionally, hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers will be able to apply for a waiver for hiring certified surgical assistants and technologists if they can demonstrate that there is a shortage of those providers in the area.

House Bill 423 now goes to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.