Pennsylvania
Association of Surgical Technologists
Association of Surgical Technologists
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The Mission of the Pennsylvania Association of Surgical Technologists is to promote team work and participation in the organization in order to inform, educate and gain recognition as professionals to ensure quality patient care for all surgical patients. The Pennsylvania Association of Surgical Technologists (PA-AST) is a chartered constituent division (state assembly) of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and represents approximately 3400 surgical technologists residing and working in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Approximately 957 are members of the AST. The PA-AST is a non-profit organization originally incorporated in 2002 as the Pennsylvania State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (PASAAST). In 2006, the name of the organization was changed. The PA-AST is governed by a Charter Agreement with the AST and state assembly bylaws. The Board of Directors of the organization consists of nine PA-AST members and includes the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. Elections are held at the Annual Meeting in the fall. Candidates for Director shall have been an Active Member of the AST for one year immediately preceding nomination and maintain that status if elected. Additionally, candidates for the office of President shall have served at least one term as a Director. No Officer or Director may serve more than two full terms in the same office. At least two state assembly meetings per year are held where official business of the organization is conducted. Meetings are held in conjunction with an educational program. At least four continuing education credits are offered and are applicable toward certification renewal by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA, formerly the LCC-ST). The PA-AST is an AST Approved Provider of Continuing Education. The PA-AST advocates legislation in Pennsylvania that would mandate surgical technologists and surgical assistants to have graduated from an accredited school and be nationally certified in order to practice in the Commonwealth. |