New Jersey Statutes 26:2H-12.62. Definitions relative to qualifications for employment as surgical technologist
Terms Used In New Jersey Statutes 26:2H-12.62
- person: includes corporations, companies, associations, societies, firms, partnerships and joint stock companies as well as individuals, unless restricted by the context to an individual as distinguished from a corporate entity or specifically restricted to one or some of the above enumerated synonyms and, when used to designate the owner of property which may be the subject of an offense, includes this State, the United States, any other State of the United States as defined infra and any foreign country or government lawfully owning or possessing property within this State. See New Jersey Statutes 1:1-2
“Health care facility” means a hospital or other health care facility licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C. 26:2H-1 et seq.).
“Surgical technologist” means a person who is authorized to practice surgical technology pursuant to the provisions of this act.
“Surgical technology” means surgical patient care that includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks or functions:
(1) preparing the operating room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely;
(2) preparing the operating room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique;
(3) 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; and
(4) as directed, performing tasks at the sterile field including:
(a) passing supplies, equipment or instruments;
(b) sponging or suctioning an operative site;
(c) preparing and cutting suture material;
(d) transferring and irrigating with fluids;
(e) transferring and administering drugs within the sterile field, according to applicable law;
(f) handling specimens;
(g) holding retractors and other instruments;
(h) applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders;
(i) connecting drains to suction apparatus;
(j) applying dressings to closed wounds; and
(k) performing sponge, needle, supply and instrument counts with the registered nurse circulator.
L.2011, c.148, s.1.