Update on ASA Becoming an Accredited Provider of Continuing Education Units

Dear Members:

This communication is intended as an update regarding recent developments in the Association of Surgical Assistants’ actions towards becoming an accredited provider of continuing education courses and credits. Over the past two years, since disassociating with the Association of Surgical Technologist, ASA has repeatedly engaged the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting to provide ASA with the necessary criteria for approval as an accredited provider and processor of continuing education credits. NBSTSA repeatedly refused to discuss the process with ASA and has instead persisted in its position that ASA members should essentially continue their association with AST and simply allow AST to provide and process the continuing education credits.

As a result of NBSTSA’s unwavering adherence to its position and its repeated refusal to provide ASA with even the basic criteria ASA must meet for accreditation, AST remains the only body in the United States approved to process continuing education requirements for surgical assistants. Thus, NBSTSA’s position is extremely detrimental to both ASA as well as its members.  To combat this, ASA has initiated legal proceedings against NBSTSA in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado.  Among other things, ASA is seeking injunctive relief from the Court to direct NBSTSA to provide ASA with the necessary credentialing criteria and to objectively consider ASA’s application.  Please understand ASA only initiated this action after multiple failed attempts to informally resolve this matter.  ASA’s decision to pursue litigation was not entered into lightly, but at this stage, litigation is a necessary step to protect ASA and its members.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Official Filing Complaint Document