This bill (S.F. No. 2127) establishes regulations for central service technicians working in healthcare facilities in Minnesota. Key provisions include:

1. Definitions:

   • A central service technician is someone who decontaminates, inspects, assembles, packages, and sterilizes reusable medical instruments for a healthcare facility.
   • A healthcare facility refers to a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
   • A healthcare practitioner includes licensed individuals assisting with surgeries.

2. Requirements:

   • Healthcare facilities can only employ central service technicians who:
     • Have passed a nationally accredited certification exam and hold relevant credentials (e.g., Certified Registered Central Service Technician, Certified Endoscope Reprocessor, Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician, or Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor), or
       
     • Were employed as central service technicians on or before December 31, 2027.
   • Newly hired central service technicians have 18 months from their hiring date to obtain the required certification.
   • Certified central service technicians must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their qualification.

3. Exceptions:

   • Licensed healthcare practitioners.
   • Individuals with relevant healthcare certifications or licenses.
   • Students or interns performing central service technician tasks under supervision as part of their training.

4. Employment Verification:

   • Healthcare facilities must provide written verification of employment upon a central service technician's request.

This legislation aims to ensure patient safety and maintain high standards in sterile processing and instrument handling within healthcare facilities.