Illinois lawmakers hope surgical technologist education bill passes before session ends

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers are renewing calls for a bill to increase educational requirements for surgical technologists.

The legislation could require their degree to come from a nationally accredited program that includes a mock surgical treatment.

Sponsors told reporters in Springfield Thursday that Stroke Awareness Month is the perfect time to pass the bill, as it is critical that patients receive care from properly trained staff.

The idea means so much to Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora), who suffered a stroke during session three years ago.

"This was my first surgery. As my first surgery, I did not expect to have a brain surgery on top of that," Hernandez said. "But, I knew that I was in the best hands here in Springfield, here with a doctor, here with the surgical techs."

The measure passed out of the House on a 73-35 vote last month. State senators could vote on the proposal during the final two weeks of the spring session.

"It's very unfortunate that we do not have current laws on the books in Illinois - that a job is so critical to direct patient care and has no educational requirements or credentialing measures," said Richland Community College Surgical Technology Program Director Brooke Oliver.

House Bill 1598 is currently assigned to the Senate Licensed Activities Committee.