Gov. Ed Rendell today signed into law a bill sponsored by Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) that is designed to ensure patient safety in hospital operating rooms. 

Gingrich’s legislation will require hospitals and health care facilities to have a circulating nurse in the operating room during procedures using general anesthesia or deep sedation.  A circulating nurse is a highly trained registered nurse who serves as head nurse in the operating room.  He or she is responsible for patient safety through oversight and ensuring that all operating room equipment is present, sterile and in proper working order.  Circulating nurses are also trained to recognize signs of distress in patients under sedation and to act accordingly. 

“I am pleased to see this legislation finally become law and to know that hospital patients in Pennsylvania have added assurance that they are receiving the best quality care,” said Gingrich.  “Thirty-eight other states require a circulating nurse in the operating room when sedation is necessary.  While many Pennsylvania hospitals have already taken this precaution, it was not universally required until now. 

“Circulating nurses perform patient assessments, coordinate procedures and ensure patient safety and comfort in the operating room.  This significantly improves the patient’s experience and cuts down on potential mistakes,” said Gingrich, a former health care professional and current member of the House Health and Human Services Committee and the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.  “Countless lives have been, and will be, protected due to the oversight provided by circulating nurses in operating rooms,” she said.   

Gingrich’s legislation passed by unanimous votes in both the House and Senate.  The law goes into effect in 60 days. 

Rep. Mauree Gingrich
101st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 270-1905
(717) 783-1815
www.RepGingrich.com
Contact:  Donna M. Pinkham
(717) 260-6452
www.pahousegop.com