The New York State Society of Physician Assistants recently issued a statement (NYSSPA_11_10_2021(SurgTech)) regarding Physician Assistants serving as Surgical Technologists. St. Joseph’s Health deploys its staff in a manner that is consistent with state and federal laws and in the best interest of our patients and staff. The safety and care of our patients and the well-being of our staff are our highest priorities.
New York Public Health Law permits healthcare professionals licensed under title eight of New York Education Law to perform surgical technology tasks and functions. The NYSSPA statement cites Section 2824 of the Public Health Law which provides standards for a surgical technologist and also states: “Nothing in this section shall prohibit any healthcare professional from performing surgical technology tasks or functions if the person is acting within the scope of his or her practice.”
Each Physician Assistant acting as surgical technologist for a procedure will have received appropriate education and training under the direction of our Surgical Technologist Clinical Educator. Also, as members of our Medical Staff, surgical Physician Assistants were granted “second assist” surgical privileges which allow them to assist the surgeon or first assistant during an operative procedure by carrying out technical tasks which would include the duties of a surgical technologist.
In these challenging times, we are using creative and team oriented solutions to staffing issues while remaining compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. We expect this will be a temporary solution until enough surgical technologists are employed and trained. We appreciate your support and willingness to adapt as St. Joseph’s Health continues to provide necessary surgical patient care.