AST Legislative Advocacy
Advocacy means the act of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy. AST advocates for higher quality patient care through the enhancement of the profession of surgical technology before state and federal regulatory and legislative bodies
and the public. The AST Government Affairs Department, in coordination with AST State Assemblies, leads legislative initiatives at the state level with the goals of fostering participation in the legislative process and passing legislation.
AST’s legislative mission, developed by the AST House of Delegates, is to support state and federal legislative and/or regulatory efforts that will require that surgical technologists are: graduates of accredited surgical technology programs and certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology
and Surgical Assisting. The model legislation grandfathers anyone currently working as a surgical technologist in a health care facility on the effective date or the bill to continue being employed as a surgical technologist. This legislation promotes the profession, ensures surgical
technology jobs go to surgical technologists, and, most importantly, protects patients!
Information for Members:
State Laws and Legislation Overview
Legislative Map
Turning the Workforce "Chute" into a Workforce Ladder
Fact Sheet for Legislators:
Minimum Standards for Surgical Technologists
Proclamation Model for Governors:
National Surgical Technologist Week Proclamation Model
Information for Employers (HR/Risk Management/Attorneys/OR Managers):
Should Healthcare Facilities Require CST Certification for Surgical Technologists? Yes. Here’s Why … (Detailed version)
Should Healthcare Facilities Require CST Certification for Surgical Technologists? Yes. Here's Why... (Short version)
Accredited Education and CST Certification is the Appropriate Minimum Standard for Surgical Technologists
Certified Surgical Technologists Have Many Life-Saving Roles in the Operating Room
National Organization Statements in Support of Accredited Education and the CST:
American College of Surgeons Supports Accredited Education and CST Certification
Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety Supports the CST for Safe Surgery
The AST journal, The Surgical Technologist, features monthly government affairs articles. Archived issues are available to members by logging into their account and clicking on Journal archives.