US · guidance
CMS SOM App. A, Tag A-0943
§482.51(a)(2) - Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and surgical technologists (operating
room technicians) may serve as “scrub nurses” under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Interpretive Guidelines §482.51(a)(2)
If the hospital utilizes LPN or operating room technicians as “scrub nurses,” those personnel
must be under the supervision of an RN who is immediately available to physically intervene and
provide care.
Survey Procedures §482.51(a)(2)
• Determine that an RN is available for supervision in the department or service. Validate
the availability by requesting and reviewing a staffing schedule for the OR.
• Review staffing schedules to determine adequacy of staff and RN supervision.
History
Rev. 37, Issued: 10-17-08; Effective/Implementation Date: 10-17-08
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
6ac235b85d232e95713826d9bb5a0e5794eaddbba007832dfac355fd2e0dad15
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