2020 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 12 - Professions And Occupations
Article 310. Surgical Assistants and Surgical Technologists
Section 12-310-102. Definitions.

As used in this article 310, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Database" means the database required by section 12-310-103.

2. "Employer" means a health care institution as defined in section 13-64-202, a healthcare professional as defined in section 13-64-202, 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.

3. "Register" has the meaning established in section 12-20-102 (11); except that to beregistered 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.

(4) "Surgical assistant" means a person who performs certain duties, including:

1. Positioning the patient;

2. Providing visualization of the operative site;

3. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis;

4. Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate;

5. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes;

6. Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings;

7. Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; and(h) The duties specified in subsection (5) of this section.

(5) "Surgical technologist" means a person who performs certain duties, including:

1. Preparation of the operating or procedure room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by sterilizing supplies, instruments, and equipment;

2. Preparation of the operating or procedure room for surgical procedures by ensuringthat surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely; and

3. Passing instruments, equipment, or supplies to a surgeon; sponging or suctioning anoperative 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.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1607, § 1, effective October 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-43.2-101 as it existed prior to 2019.