AST Continuing Education Policies for the CST and CSFA - 4 year Certification Cycle

10 Instructor or Lecturer of Health Professionals a) This method for earning CE credits applies to CSTs and CSFAs that provide CE lectures at an AST approved CE program, AST sponsored program, serve as instructors during an AST approved CE workshop, for example, a wound closure workshop held at a State Assembly meeting, or employer sponsored in-service. 1. This method for earning CE credits does not apply to those CSTs and CSFAs who provide lectures, lab, or clinical demonstrations as part of their job duties, such as educators, medical sales representatives, or preceptors. b) CST and CSFA instructors or lecturers will receive two CE credits for the initial preparation of the presentation. CE credits are also awarded according to the length of the presentation. The lecture or workshop must be a minimum of 30 minutes. For example, if a lecture lasts 45 minutes the CST or CSFA presenter would be awarded a total of 2.75 CE credits. However, if the lecture is repeated at a future program, CE credits are only awarded for the length of the lecture. c) Documentation requirement. 1. For AST sponsored programs, such as the Annual Surgical Technology National Conference or Surgical Technology Educators Conference, the CST or CSFA instructor or lecturer is not required to submit documentation as proof of providing a CE lecture or serving as an instructor. AST will automatically enter the CE credits for the individual. 2. CSTs and CSFAs that present a CE lecture or serve as an instructor at a non-AST sponsored program, including a State Assembly meeting, must submit a copy of the program agenda that includes their name as presenter and title of the presentation or workshop, as well as the length of the activity. Professional Organizations a) AST accepts the CE credits offered at live events, for example, conferences, forums, symposiums, and workshops, that are sponsored by an ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) accredited organization, and the event is approved to offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™, or CE credits are accepted if an organization’s live event is approved to offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™ by another ACCME accredited organization. b) CE credits are accepted for live events approved by the ADA-CERP and JCAHPO. c) Documentation requirement: A certificate of attendance signed by an authorized individual who represents the organization. The total number of CE credits to be earned must be printed on the certificate. Surgical Missions a) One time per four-year certification cycle, the CST or CSFA may submit a surgical mission to AST for CE credits. b) The surgical mission is awarded 10 CE credits no matter the length of the mission. c) Documentation requirement: The AST Surgical Mission verification form must be completed by the CST or CSFA that includes the signature of the mission team leader, and a copy submitted with the AST CE Reporting Form . Incomplete forms will be returned.