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Minutes for SB338 - Committee on Public Health and Welfare
Short Title
Regulation of surgical technologists.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 12, 2018
Chairperson Schmidt introduced her three pages Riley Wurtz from Christ the King and Zoe Canfield and Lance Allen of Most Pure Heart.
Scott Abbott, Staff Revisor, gave an overview of SB338. Questions were posed by the committee.
Stephanie Whalum presented proponent testimony. She stated that the policy goal of SB338 is to establish objective, baseline competency standards. The passage of this legislation would help to ensure that Kansas operating room patients would be in the most capable hands across all surgical team members. (Attachment 1)
Kristina Mick gave testimony in support of SB338. She stated that it is her position that mandatory certification is an important step in a positive direction for the surgical technology profession and for patient safety and that the State needs to be proactive in making certification the norm for every healthcare facility. (Attachment 2)
Logan Threet, a proponent of SB338, testified that certification means more accountability to the profession and with continuing education, surgical technologists will always be up to date on the latest surgical practices. (Attachment 3)
Natasha Smith gave testimony in support of SB338 stating that an accredited surgical technology program provides a strong foundation of fundamental building blocks and creates a well-round surgical technologist who is prepared to be certified and who strives to always put the patient first. (Attachment 4)
Proponent written only testimony was submitted by Jennifer Crain, Neosho County Community College. (Attachment 5)
Questions were posed by committee members.
Rachelle Colombo presented oral opponent testimony stating that SB338 fails to limit the scope of practice of a surgical technologist. SB338 also allows for the options for the establishment of certification but removes these requirements if a health care facility cannot find a certified technologist to employ. (Attachment 6)
Deborah Stern testified in opposition to SB338 stating that this legislation is not needed as Kansas hospitals already take necessary steps to ensure that surgical technologist/scrub techs practicing in their facilities have received appropriate training. (Attachment 7)
Kathleen Selzler Lippert presented neutral testimony stating that while SB338 creates a new regulated health care profession it does not include many of the usual provisions of a regulated profession. (Attachment 8)
Chairperson Schmidt closed the hearing on SB338.
Senator Pettay introduced her pages from Holy Name Catholic School - Chandler Bishop, Rebecca Maxey, Daleece Gladney and Enilio Ojeda.
Senator Berger introduced his pages from Hutchinson Middle School - Brynne Hobart and Stella Foster.
