In this chapter:
(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.