<h3>Occupational Description</h3><br>Surgical First Assistants assist the primary Surgeon during surgical procedures by helping to provide a safe surgical environment. A licensed Surgical First Assistant may engage in the practice of surgical assisting, including: Assisting in the intraoperative care of a surgical patient; Positioning the patient; Preparing & draping the patient for the surgical procedure; Providing visualization of the operative site; Assisting with hemostasis; Assisting with closure of body planes; Applying appropriate wound dressings; Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; Preparing specimens, such as grafts; Performing other tasks during a surgical procedure delegated by and under the personal supervision of a Physician appropriate to the level of competence of the Surgical First Assistant.<br><h3>Licensure Requirements</h3><br>Applicants must: 1. Be certified as a Surgical First Assistant by an approved certifying body; 2. Have successfully completed an approved Surgical First Assistant education program approved by the Board, or other experiential or training program as approved by the Board; 3. Have passed a nationally recognized Surgical First Assistant examination adopted by the Board; 4. Have a high school diploma or the equivalent; 5. Be at least 19 years of age; 6. Be either a citizen of the United States, an alien lawfully admitted into the United States who is eligible for a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act, or a nonimmigrant who is lawfully present in the United States and who is eligible for a credential under the Uniform Credentialing Act; 7. If the applicant holds or has held a credential to provide health services, health-related services, or environmental services in Nebraska or in another jurisdiction, he or she must have the licensing agency submit to the Department a certification of his or her credential; 8. If an applicant has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, he or she must include: A. A list of any misdemeanor or felony convictions; B. A copy of the Court Record, which includes charges and disposition; C. Explanation from the applicant of the events leading to the conviction (what, when, where, why) and a summary of actions taken to address the behaviors/actions related to the convictions; D. All addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment, if the conviction involved a drug and/or alcohol related offense and if treatment was obtained and/or required; E. A letter from the probation officer addressing probationary conditions and current status, if the applicant is currently on probation; 9. If any disciplinary action was taken against the applicant’s license/registration by another state, applicant must submit a letter of explanation of the disciplinary action. The department may waive the education and examination requirements for an applicant who submits evidence of holding a credential as a Surgical First Assistant issued by another state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia which has standards substantially equivalent to those of this state.<br><h3>Fees</h3><br>License Fee- $150.00, or $37.50 if initial license is obtained within 6 months prior to the next expiration date.<br><h3>Renewal</h3><br>Renewal is required biennially by October 1 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $150.00.
