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HB 7076

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- CERTIFIED SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANTS ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island establishes professional licensure requirements for Certified Surgical First Assistants to ensure practitioner qualifications and patient safety oversight in operating rooms.

04/14/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7076

Legislative bill overview

HB 7076 establishes a licensure and regulatory framework for Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs) in Rhode Island. The bill creates professional standards, educational requirements, and oversight mechanisms to govern individuals who assist surgeons during operative procedures.

Why is this important

Surgical first assistants play a direct role in patient safety during surgical procedures, making their qualifications and accountability matters of public health. Establishing formal licensure creates clear standards, ensures practitioners meet competency requirements, and provides patients with regulatory protections and recourse if care falls below established standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Defining exactly what tasks CSFAs can independently perform versus what requires surgeon supervision, and how this affects surgical efficiency and healthcare costs
  • Educational pathway requirements: Determining whether existing certification programs adequately prepare CSFAs and whether reciprocity with other states' credentials will be recognized
  • Implementation costs: Licensing infrastructure, examination administration, and compliance burdens may increase surgical center operational expenses, potentially raising healthcare costs for patients

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

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