As used in this subpart:

1. (1) “Surgical technologist” means an individual who performs the skills and techniques of surgical technology under the direction and supervision of a licensed practitioner other than in the course of practicing as a licensed healthcare professional; and

2. (2)

   1. (A) “Surgical technology” means surgical patient care that includes without limitation:

      1. (i) Preparing an operating room and a sterile field for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is assembled and functioning properly and safely;
      2. (ii) Preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique; and

      3. (iii) Performing tasks in a sterile field, including:

         1. (a) (a) Maintaining asepsis and a sterile operating field;
         2. (b) (b) Passing supplies, equipment, or instruments according to the needs of the surgical team;
      4. (c) (c) Sponging or suctioning an operative site;

      5. (d) (d) Preparing and cutting suture material;

         1. (e) (e) Providing irrigation solutions to the supervising physician and irrigating an operative site;
         2. (f) (f) Providing drugs within the sterile field for administration by the supervising physician;
         3. (g) (g) Handling specimens;
         4. (h) (h) Holding retractors and other instruments;

      6. (i) (i) Applying electrocautery to clamp on blood vessels;

         1. (j) (j) Connecting drains to a suction apparatus;
         2. (k) (k) Applying dressing to closed wounds; and
      7. (l) (l) Performing counts of supplies such as sponges, needles, and instruments with the registered nurse circulator.

   2. (B) The practice of surgical technology is a separate and distinct healthcare profession that does not include the practice of surgical assisting as performed by:

      1. (i) Physician assistants;
      2. (ii) Surgical assistants; or
      3. (iii) First assistants.