As a deeply concerned citizen, I have witnessed the detrimental effects of our hospital systems employing individuals without proper certification. This is particularly prevalent in the case of Surgical Technologists, where a lack of state law requirements allows hospitals to hire uncertified personnel, often at lower costs. This not only compromises patient safety but also undermines the value and importance of certified professionals.

Surgical technologists play a crucial role in our healthcare system. They are responsible for preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, and assisting doctors during surgeries. Their expertise and skills are vital to ensure patient safety and successful surgical outcomes.

However, many states do not require Surgical Technologists to be certified - an alarming fact considering that they are integral members of the operating room team. According to The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), only 12 states currently require certification for surgical technologists.

This lackadaisical approach towards certification puts patients at risk as it allows corporate hospital systems to prioritize cost-cutting over patient safety. It's time we demand better from our lawmakers.

We urge all states that have not yet implemented state law requiring Surgical Technologist certification to do so immediately. By doing this, we can protect patients from potential harm caused by unqualified personnel and uphold high standards within our healthcare system.

Please sign this petition if you believe in prioritizing patient safety over profits and stand with us as we fight for mandatory certification laws across all states!