C.R.S. § 12-310-102: Definitions.

As used in this article 310, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Database" means the database required by section 12-310-103.

(2) "Employer" means a health-care institution as defined in section 13-64-202, a health-care professional as defined in section 13-64-202, or an entity who either employs a registrant or who provides a registrant to a health-care institution or health-care professional on a contractual basis.

(3) "Register" has the meaning established in section 12-20-102 (11); except that to be registered does not mean that the registrant:

(a) Has any particular qualifications or professional competency; or

(b) Must be certified as a surgical assistant or surgical technologist.

(4) "Surgical assistant" means a person who performs certain duties, including:

(a) Positioning the patient;

(b) Providing visualization of the operative site;

(c) Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis;

(d) Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate;

(e) Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes;

(f) Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings;

(g) Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; and

(h) The duties specified in subsection (5) of this section.

(5) "Surgical technologist" means a person who performs certain duties, including:

(a) Preparation of the operating or procedure room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by sterilizing supplies, instruments, and equipment;

(b) Preparation of the operating or procedure room for surgical procedures by ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely; and

(c) Passing instruments, equipment, or supplies to a surgeon; sponging or suctioning an operative site; preparing and cutting suture material; holding retractors; transferring but not administering fluids or drugs; assisting in counting sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments; and performing other similar duties as directed during a surgical procedure.