HHS circulating regulations finalized on June 17.

On June 17, 1986, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its final regulations in the Federal Register governing the hospital Conditions of Participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The final regulations state that "In accordance with applicable State laws and approved medical staff policies and procedures, ...surgical technologists may assist in circulatory duties under the supervision of a qualified registered nurse who is immediately available to respond to emergencies". Coming after a dozen years of exhaustive research and debate on the conditions, HHS deleted the work "direct" as it applies to the degree of supervision required for circulating surgical technologists because, HHS states, "it will give hospitals maximum flexibility to manage their internal procedures...and will recognize appropriately the special qualifications of surgical technologists". The following article will provide you with the historical background and development of this regulation, scheduled to take effect on September 15.