Understanding How Sterile Processing Licensing Rules Vary by State

Sterile Processing technicians are key personnels in the healthcare industry. These are the behind the scene hero’s of many hospitals, as they are responsible for the thorough cleaning and sterilization of medical equipment before and after use, to make sure they are always safe for usage. Due to the importance of this profession, some states have put some checks in place, in the form of licensing and certifications, to ensure that sterile processing technicians meet the standards before getting hired.

Variations in State Licensing rules

Licensing rules for this profession are not the same nationwide; some states require licensing and some states do not.

States that made Licensing mandatory:

These states made it compulsory that the certification should be obtained within a certain time frame before employment. This requirement was mandated in 2016, when Connecticut’s House passed a bill that requires sterile processing technicians to be certified and to always renew the certification every 2 years. The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) are the groups required to grant these certifications.

• Connecticut

• New Jersey

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• Tennessee

States that does not require Licensing:

Although these states do not require licensing, most companies still request certificates from people before employment.

Alabama

Alaska

North Carolina

Challenges of Diverse State Regulations

The different state laws on sterile processing licensing requirements change by state makes it difficult for experts that are looking for employment or companies looking to hire. Minnesota is in the midst of enacting laws mandating certification within 18 months of employment, whereas Tennessee lets technicians operate without certification first, providing they get it within two years. These variations underline the need of looking into state-specific rules before seeking a profession in this sector. Resources such as Sterile Tech Programs offer thorough state-by-state roadmaps to help navigate the rules.

Certification Process and Benefits

The certification process asks for the applicant to pass the CRCST tests given by HSPA. These tests are just formalities to measure the technician’s knowledge in matters involving decontamination, sterilizing techniques, and infection control. The benefit of getting certified is that you get a high chance of landing the job, even in states where certificates are not required.

Having a Uniform Licensing Standards

Having a uniform licensing standards would remove all discrepancies in the hiring process. It would be so unfortunate for a state that does not require certification; someone who is better qualified for the role would lose the job to someone else because he has the certification as a bonus. Another thing is, since it involves life, there’s no such word as ‘being too careful’. Also, when a technician plans to move to another state, he wouldn’t need to start worrying about the certification and licensing status of that state.

Training and Career Preparation

If you’re planning on having a career as a sterile processing technician, then you need to first focus on learning. You would get the opportunity to get first-hand experience, while being guided in the process. This would also give you the opportunity to learn, prepare and with the necessary certification tests. There are programs at colleges like Front Range Community College or Seattle Central College that teach equipment management, infection control, and microbiology; which are in line with the industry’s requirements. Depending on the state’s Licensing rules, you’re better off get the license regardless of whether it is required or not; this would save you lots of stress.