This bill proposes regulations for central service technicians (CSTs) working in health care facilities in Minnesota. It establishes requirements for CSTs, defining them as individuals responsible for decontaminating, inspecting, assembling, packaging, and sterilizing medical instruments or devices used in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

Key provisions include:

1. Certification Requirement: CSTs must pass a nationally accredited central service exam and hold a relevant certification such as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), Certified Endoscope Reprocessor (CER), Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), or Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor (CFER).

2. Grandfather Clause: CSTs employed by a health care facility before December 31, 2027, may continue working without initial certification requirements.

3. Grace Period: Newly hired CSTs who do not meet certification requirements have 18 months from the date of hire to obtain the required credentials.

4. Continuing Education: CSTs must complete ten hours of continuing education annually related to central service technician functions to remain qualified.

5. Exemptions: The law does not restrict certain individuals from performing CST functions, including:

   • Licensed health care practitioners.
   • Individuals with a nationally accredited registration, certification, or license in health care services.
   • Students or interns performing CST tasks under the supervision of a health care practitioner as part of their training.

6. Employment Verification: Health care facilities must provide CSTs with written verification of their employment or contract period upon request.

The bill ensures that individuals performing sterilization and processing of medical instruments meet standardized qualifications, improving patient safety in Minnesota’s health care facilities.