Connecticut Passes Legislation Setting Certification Standards for Central Service Technicians

On May 26, 2015, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed into law Public Act 15-11 (PA 15-11), “An Act Concerning Persons Who Decontaminate Reusable Medical Instruments or Devices.” This new legislation requires central service technicians (CSTs) to meet certain certification requirements. PA 15-11 defines a CST as a person who “decontaminates, inspects, assembles, packages and sterilizes reusable medical instruments or devices in a health care facility, whether such person is employed by the health care facility or provides services pursuant to a contract with the health care facility.” PA 15-11, effective January 1, 2016, applies to outpatient surgical facilities and hospitals other than chronic disease hospitals.

Under PA 15-11, CSTs are required to pass a nationally accredited central service exam and be credentialed by either the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management or the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution, Inc. Alternatively, a person may obtain either of the above credentials within two years from the date of hire or contracting with a health care facility.