New Jersey § 26:2h-12

§ 26:2h-12.

For purposes of this act: 1 “ Health care facility ” means a hospital or other health care facility licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.

136 ( C.26:2H-1 et seq. ). “ Surgical technologist ” means a person who is authorized to practice surgical technology pursuant to the

provisions of this act. “ Surgical technology ” means surgical patient care that includes, but is not limited to, the following

tasks or functions: (1) preparing the operating room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical

equipment is functioning properly and safely; (2) preparing the operating room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by

preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique; (3) anticipating the needs of the surgical team based on knowledge of human anatomy

and pathophysiology and how they relate to the surgical patient and the patient's

surgical procedure; and (4) as directed, performing tasks at the sterile field including: (a) passing supplies, equipment or instruments; (b) sponging or suctioning an operative site; (c) preparing and cutting suture material; (d) transferring and irrigating with fluids; (e) transferring and administering drugs within the sterile field, according to applicable

law; (f) handling specimens; (g) holding retractors and other instruments; (h) applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders; (i) connecting drains to suction apparatus; (j) applying dressings to closed wounds; and (k) performing sponge, needle, supply and instrument counts with the registered nurse

circulator. 1

L.2011, c. 148 (N.J.S.A. §§ 26:2H-12.62 to 26:2H-12.67).