Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
Board
Board of Medicine
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Licensure of Surgical Assistants and Registration of Surgical Technologists [18 VAC 85 ‑ 160]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description To implement Chapter 531 of the 2014 Acts of the Assembly, Chapter 160 sets forth regulations for registration of surgical assistants and surgical technologists.
State Authority 54.1-2400 , 54.1-2956.12 and 54.1-2956.13
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To establish qualifications for registration
2. To establish fees as necessary to process applications and renewal of registration
Meetings See all meetings (1) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Erin Barrett  / Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Address: Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: erin.barrett@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-4688    FAX: (804)915-0382    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Exempt regulatory changes pursuant to HB2222
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (10/09/2023).
Reinstatement of certification as a surgical technologist Fast-Track Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Amendments for surgical assistants consistent with a licensed profession Final Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Implementation of HB598 for certification of surgical technologists
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/09/2022.
Conforming regulations to 2021 legislation - certification of surgical technologists
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/01/2021.
Licensure of surgical assistants
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/14/2020.
Handling fee Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/05/2020.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/02/2019.
Electronic renewal notices Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/22/2019.
Requirement for renewal of registration for surgical assistants
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/14/2018.
Renewal fee reduction
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/27/2017.
Initial regulations for registration Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/13/2015.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
6/16/2022 Filed Pending