Dear Florida State AST Members,
I would like to bring an update you on the work of your Board and Officers. In August 2013, the business workshop will be in Orlando, Florida at the Rosen Hotel. We have elected delegates for the New Orleans Convention in May. Four representatives of Florida will participate in the Habitate for Humanity project on Wednesday of that week. Three newly elected officers and board members will attend the State Assembly Leadership Forum to learn about their offices and how to be effective representatives for you.

Our first Legislative meeting on March 20th, 2013 for the Senate Bill 360 with representation to show support in lab coats and scrubs kicks off the session. Our lobbyist is working to garner multiple sponsors for this year and seeking confirmation that they will facilitate the bill early in the session. We are encouraged that the bill will go forth this year. Current Sponsors include Senator Garcia and House Representative Matt Gaetz with others cosponsoring. We will still have some challenges to overcome, but be prepared to work hard come January. If you have any stories that support our bill that we need certified individuals in the operating room, please send them to anyone on the board. We do not need names or even hospital names, just the description of the incident and the part of Florida located in (City, County, or Region).

In the meantime, what can you do to facilitate the recognition by our state legislators that this is a profession just like nursing and not “unlicensed assistive personnel” who assist other professions?

• Contact your local legislator representatives who are running for office, let them know that this is an important issue to you and your profession. Tell them you want confirmation of their support for the Surgical Technologist/Surgical Assistant Bill during the sessions this upcoming year.
• Ask your local representatives to cosponsor the bill and/or commit to getting it out of committee early. Let us know if you have someone in your area that is willing to work with us.
• Finally, I would like to take this time to confirm to those of you who are not certified, that we understand your concerns and have worked to incorporate grandfather clauses which will protect you. In addition, there are avenues such as the Accelerated Alternate Delivery Program for those of you who are young to expand your opportunities within the profession by getting certified. In the State of Florida, a requirement to be certified is considered the same as “licensure”. Becoming board certified and licensed can greatly enhance your credibility and your status with the operating room team. Thereby, increasing your marketability.

Respectfully submitted
Libby McNaron, Florida State Assembly President
Libby(Mary) McNaron, CST, RN, CNOR, MSN, MSHRM
Elected Term: August 2011 – August 2013
Please feel free to call or look me up any time that I can be of assistance to you. lmcnaron@gulfcoast.edu,
850-873-3551 or 850-773-8350.