Oregon Surgical Technologists and Students Testify at Oregon Legislative Hearing

Salem, Oregon - March 27, 2023
Oregon Certified Surgical Technologists, Oregon Surgical Technology Program Directors, and Surgical Technology students testified before the Oregon House Behavioral Health and Health Committee on important Surgical Technology legislation. These Oregon CSTs and students responded to the AST call to action, checked their emails, attended last minute meetings, practiced their testimony, and waiting for hours and hours for their turn.  One Surgical Technology student even cancelled on a birthday dinner to show up.  It was well worth it - the Chairman of the Committee ended up asking her a very important question at the hearing.  The Surgical Technologists and students were brief, calm, respectful and carried a clear message that was well-coordinated. courteous, brief (90 seconds!) and not going off-message.  They won the respect of the legislators and taught legislators about Surgical Technologists’ role in patient safety and the importance of accredited education.  Also, this year no out-of-state Surgical Technologists testified, which also helped the cause.  Legislators do not want to hear from people from out-of-state.  Thank you to Rachel Bruce, OR-AST President, CST, Angie Hansen, CST, Sonia Lopez, CST, Leia Amorelli, Surgical Technology student, and Shayna Bryson, Surgical Technology student, for testifying.  They were really attentive, responsible, patient, and made sacrifices to help the profession of Surgical Technology in Oregon.  Also, thank you to Ron Kruzel of ARC/STSA for sharing his knowledge of accreditation with the committee.