Tex.
Health & Safety Code Section 259.001
Definitions
(1)
“Department” means the Department of State Health Services.(2)
“Surgical technologist” means a person who practices surgical technology.(3)
“Surgical technology” means intraoperative surgical patient care as follows:(A)
preparing the operating room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely;(B)
preparing the operating room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique;(C)
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;(D)
as directed in an operating room setting, performing the following tasks at the sterile field:(i)
passing supplies, equipment, or instruments;(ii)
sponging or suctioning an operative site;(iii)
preparing and cutting suture material;(iv)
transferring and pouring irrigation fluids;(v)
transferring but not administering drugs within the sterile field;(vi)
handling specimens;(vii)
holding retractors and other instruments;(viii)
applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders;(ix)
connecting drains to suction apparatus;(x)
applying dressings to closed wounds; and(xi)
assisting in counting sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments with the registered nurse circulator;(E)
cleaning and preparing instruments for sterilization on completion of the surgery; and(F)
assisting the surgical team with cleaning of the operating room on completion of the surgery.
Source:
Section 259.001 — Definitions, https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.259.htm#259.001 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).
