To help hospitals keep up with the evolving innovations in medical technology, Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced a bill he authored requiring the certification and continuing education of central service technicians has passed the Assembly (A.878-A).

“Central service technicians are an integral part of our healthcare system and play a vital role in patient care by preventing infections,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “This legislation would ensure technicians have the proper training in cleaning these important medical tools so that professionals can perform their jobs safely and effectively.”

Central service technicians are responsible for cleaning devices between medical procedures; however, they are not required to have a professional certification or continuing education. Due to the rapid advancement in medical technology and the limited resources many central service departments have, technicians have trouble keeping up with the ever-increasing demands of their job. This increased workload has led to gaps in the education of some central sterile supply personnel. This legislation would require technicians to remain up-to-date on how to properly sterilize medical equipment after use, which will lead to fewer mistakes, Assemblymember Bronson added.

Sterilization technicians work in a multitude of surgical settings including hospitals, offices and clinics of physicians, dentists’ offices, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which further emphasizes the need for more stringent standards and continuing education for these technicians, noted Assemblymember Bronson.

“The importance of ensuring central service technicians have the necessary training to perform their jobs at the highest level possible can’t be emphasized enough,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “By making certain these technicians are well trained, we ensure that our loved ones who visit hospitals in our area like Rochester General Hospital receive the care they need by skilled personnel so they can return home to us safe and sound.”

The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) has long been an outspoken advocate of state certification of central service technicians.