8013.1 A surgical assistant shall, in accordance with this chapter and the Act, have the authority to perform the following tasks:

1. (a) Provide local infiltration or the topical application of a local anesthetic and hemostatic agents at the operative site;
2. (b) Incise tissues;
3. (c) Ligate and approximate tissues with sutures and clamps;
4. (d) Apply tourniquets, casts, immobilizers, and surgical dressings;
5. (e) Check the placement and operation of equipment;
6. (f) Assist in moving and positioning the patient;
7. (g) Assist the surgeon in draping the patient;
8. (h) Prepare a patient by cleaning, shaving, and sterilizing the incision area;
9. (i) Retract tissue and expose the operating field area during operative procedures;
10. (j) Place suture ligatures and clamp, tie, and clip blood vessels to control bleeding during surgical entry;
11. (k) Use cautery for hemostasis under direct supervision;
12. (l) Assist in closure of skin and subcutaneous tissue;
13. (m) Assist in the cleanup of the surgical suite; and
14. (n) Check and restock the surgical suite.

8013.2 A surgical assistant shall not perform the following tasks;

1. (a) Perform any surgical procedure independently;
2. (b) Prescribe any medications or controlled substances; or
3. (c) Write any progress notes or orders on hospitalized patients, except operative notes.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 54 DCR 9549 (October 5, 2007).