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Bill

S 248

An Act regulating surgical assistants

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill establishing licensing and regulatory standards for surgical assistants to ensure patient safety and professional accountability in operating rooms.

Accompanied S1511
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 248

Legislative bill overview

S.248 establishes regulatory oversight and licensing requirements for surgical assistants in Massachusetts. The bill creates standardized qualifications, training standards, and professional accountability measures for individuals who assist surgeons during operative procedures.

Why is this important

Surgical assistants play a direct role in patient safety during surgery, yet currently operate without state licensure or unified regulatory standards in Massachusetts. This legislation aims to protect patients by ensuring surgical assistants meet consistent competency requirements and are subject to professional oversight, similar to other healthcare professions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice definition: Disagreement over which surgical tasks assistants can perform independently versus under direct surgeon supervision, and how this affects operating room efficiency and costs
  • Training and credential pathways: Debate over whether existing certifications (like NCCPA or surgical tech certifications) should be grandfathered in versus requiring new state-specific licensing exams
  • Implementation costs: Concerns about regulatory burden on hospitals and surgical centers, including licensing fees, compliance infrastructure, and potential workforce shortages during transition periods

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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