2018 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 12 - Professions and Occupations
Health Care
Article 43.2 - Surgical Assistants and Surgical Technologists
§ 12-43.2-101. Definitions
- As used in this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Database" means the database required by section 12-43.2-102.
(2) "Director" means the director of the division of professions and occupations in the department of regulatory agencies or the director's designee.
(3) "Employer" means a health care institution as defined in section 13-64-202, C.R.S., a health care professional as defined in section 13-64-202, C.R.S., or an entity who either employs a registrant or who provides a registrant to a health care institution or health care professional on a contractual basis.
(4) "Register" means to record the information required by section 12-43.2-102 (3)(b) in the database in a form and manner as determined by the director. To be registered does not mean that the registrant:
(a) Has any particular qualifications or professional competency; or
(b) Must be certified as a surgical assistant or surgical technologist.
(5) "Registrant" means a person required to be registered pursuant to this article.
(6) "Surgical assistant" means a person who performs certain duties, including:
(a) Positioning the patient;
(b) Providing visualization of the operative site;
(c) Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis;
(d) Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate;
(e) Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes;
(f) Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings;
(g) Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; and
(h) The duties specified in subsection (7) of this section.
(7) "Surgical technologist" means a person who performs certain duties, including:
(a) Preparation of the operating or procedure room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by sterilizing supplies, instruments, and equipment;
(b) Preparation of the operating or procedure room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely; and
(c) Passing instruments, equipment, or supplies to a surgeon; sponging or suctioning an operative site; preparing and cutting suture material; holding retractors; transferring but not administering fluids or drugs; assisting in counting sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments; and performing other similar duties as directed during a surgical procedure.
