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

1. (1) Database means the database required by section 12-310-103.
2. (2) Employer means a health-care institution as defined in section 13-64-202, a health-care 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. (3) Register has the meaning established in section 12-20-102 (11); except that to be registered does not mean that the registrant:

   1. (a) Has any particular qualifications or professional competency; or
   2. (b) Must be certified as a surgical assistant or surgical technologist.

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

   1. (a) Positioning the patient;
   2. (b) Providing visualization of the operative site;
   3. (c) Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis;
   4. (d) Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate;
   5. (e) Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes;
   6. (f) Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings;
   7. (g) Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; and
   8. (h) The duties specified in subsection (5) of this section.

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

   1. (a) Preparation of the operating or procedure room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by sterilizing supplies, instruments, and equipment;
   2. (b) Preparation of the operating or procedure room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely; and
   3. (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.

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.