REGULATIONS
Vol. 39 Iss. 4 - October 10, 2022

TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF MEDICINE
Chapter 160
Final

TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

BOARD OF MEDICINE

Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Board of Medicine is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act where no agency discretion is involved. The board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC85-160. Regulations Governing the Licensure of Surgical Assistants and Certification of Surgical Technologists (amending 18VAC85-160-51).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2956.12 of the Code Virginia.

Effective Date: November 9, 2022.

Agency Contact: William L. Harp, M.D., Executive Director, Board of Medicine, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4558, FAX (804) 527-4429, or email william.harp@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Pursuant to Chapter 71 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly, the amendments require the Board of Medicine to certify a surgical technologist who registers with the board by December 31, 2022, and provides satisfactory evidence of (i) practicing as a surgical technologist or (ii) attending a surgical technologist training program prior to October 1, 2022.

18VAC85-160-51. Requirements for certification as a surgical technologist.

A. An applicant for certification as a surgical technologist shall submit a completed application and a fee as prescribed in 18VAC85-160-40 on forms provided by the board.

B. An applicant for certification as a surgical technologist shall provide satisfactory evidence of:

1. Successful completion of an accredited surgical technologist training program and a current credential as a certified surgical technologist from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or its successor; or

2. Successful completion of a training program for surgical technology during the applicant's service as a member of any branch of the armed forces of the United States.

C. The board will certify a surgical technologist who registers with the board by December 31, 2022, if that surgical technologist provides satisfactory evidence of:

1. Practice as a surgical technologist prior to October 1, 2022; or

2. Attendance of a surgical technologist training program prior to October 1, 2022.

VA.R. Doc. No. R23-7146; Filed September 14, 2022