The NYCACSP has been very busy pursuing mandatory certification in the state. The NYCACSP’s agenda has been full promoting educational programs co-sponsored by the Chapter and their Corporate Sponsors; holding certification courses; meeting with educational agencies to establish educational programs in colleges and occupational centers; and meeting with labor unions and elected officials to gain support for the NY State Central Service Technician bill.

This bill, once passed, will require mandatory certification for CS technicians in New York State. Our members feel it is necessary to update the requirements to work in Central Sterile as our roles and responsibilities have changed. As integral members of the perioperative team, we are responsible for ensuring that every surgical instrument—from the simple to the complex — adheres to AAMI and AORN standards and guidelines, manufacturer recommendations, and the sterilization parameters in order to promote patient and staff safety during the surgical procedure. In an effort to help elected officials understand what we do, we have begun a series of tours in CS departments across the state. During these tours, legislators “suit up” and are invited to view our world through a different set of eyes. We explain step-by-step what our responsibilities are and show them how it is done. The first legislator who attended one of these tours was Senator Susie Oppenheimer, the sponsor of the CS tech bill in the senate.

Most recently, Assemblyman Jonathan Bing took a tour at one of the largest facilities in New York City. Members of the NYC CS Chapter accompanied him on the tour and provided him with a detailed explanation of the requirements necessary in order to “get the job done.” The Assemblyman was amazed and could not understand why there are no requirements for this vital profession. Assemblyman Jonathan Bing was also one of the guest speakers at the NY City Chapter Annual Educational Meeting this past October. He spoke to attendees about the legislative process and the importance of getting involved. He also provided attendees with an update on the CS Tech Bill in NY and answered questions from the group. The appreciation and enthusiasm in the room was felt by all.

In a continuous effort to promote education and collaboration, Mary Olivera, one of our members, was invited to present at the local labor union SEIU 1199’s educational meeting for surgical technologists and CS technicians in New York City. The local labor union has begun the implementation of a CS Technicians’ committee with the purpose of discussing continuing education, practice and technician legislation. CS technician members of this local union are excited to finally have a committee of their own in which practice is set for the profession.

Anyone interested in participating in this committee should contact Raymond Valdez at St. Luke’s Hospital or Debora Hunte at the SEIU 1199 headquarters. This collaboration will be beneficial for the support of the technician’s bill in New York.

New York Association of Central Service Professionals
10th Annual Educational Seminar
June 7-9, 2012
Radisson Hotel Riverside – Rochester, NY

• Click to download Seminar brochure
• Click to download Career Ladder Workshop brochure
• Click to download Certification Workshop brochure

Coming soon.

Janice Griffin
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
CPD Educator/QA Coordinator
PO Box 1915
New York, NY 10156-1915
(212) 639-8026 • Fax: (212) 717-3629