Rock Island Today

Sen. Neil Anderson shared National Surgical Technologists Week, saying, "In honor of National Surgical Technologists Week, I have filed Senate Resolution 1194 asking the General Assembly to officially recognize our surgical technologists in Illinois," in a Sept. 17 Facebook post.

"In honor of National Surgical Technologists Week, I have filed Senate Resolution 1194 asking the General Assembly to officially recognize our surgical technologists in Illinois," said Anderson, State Senator, according to Facebook. "For over 60 years, surgical technology has grown to meet the ever-increasing demand for well-educated, highly-skilled, and versatile surgical technologists. They are entrusted with the lives and well-being of patients and provide critical service during surgical procedures. Please join me in thanking our surgical technologists for everything they do!"

According to Anderson's Facebook post, he shared screenshots of Senate Resolution 1194, with several "whereas" clauses visible. These included: "Whereas, For over 60 years, surgical technology has grown to meet the ever-increasing demand for well-educated, highly-skilled and versatile technologists; and whereas surgical technologists are entrusted with the lives and well-being of patients and provide a critical service during surgical procedures; and whereas Certified surgical technologists graduate from an accredited program and receive certification conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting based upon passage of the national examination."

Screenshot of Sen. Neil Anderson's Sept. 17 Facebook post | Senator Neil Anderson's Facebook page

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) notes that National Surgical Technologists Week has been observed annually since 1984. The AST has a Star of Excellence Program, which highlights surgical technologists who are nominated in seven different categories: technical proficiency, problem-solving, ethical practice, efficiency and time management, outcome assessment, communication within the team, and innovation and continuous learning.

In Illinois, a surgical technologist must register with the state. This registration includes proof that they completed an appropriate educational program, proof of current certification and completion of the Surgical Technician National Certification Exam. Additionally, they must provide information about whether they’ve been licensed elsewhere and whether their file contains information on disciplinary actions taken or pending. They must also pay a fee according to the state’s administrative code focused on the application for registration as a surgical technologist.

Anderson has served the people of the 47th District since 2015. He grew up in the Quad City area and worked in the family business installing floors. He was a walk-on for the University of Nebraska football team before joining the Moline Fire Department after earning his paramedic license. He currently works for the Moline Fire Department according to his official biography.