News and briefs: NY legislators want central service technicians certified

The New York State Senate and General Assembly both passed a bill requiring central service technicians to be certified and participate in continuing education. According to the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM), central service technicians are responsible for ensuring medical equipment and instruments are properly disinfected, sterilized, and inspected prior to use for a procedure. The IAHCSMM supports the bill.

New surgical instruments are being introduced regularly, which requires an advanced technical knowledge that only certification will provide, says Steve Maley, CSPDM, CHL, president, New York State Association of Central Service Professionals in a press release from IAHCSMM.  “Certification will keep technicians educated on standards-based instrument processing practices so these professionals can perform their jobs safely and effectively while keeping quality and patient safety at the forefront.” 

The bill now goes to the governor for his signature. If approved, New York will join New Jersey in requiring certification.