Surgical tech's case exposes multiple failings in patient protections

Despite their access to narcotic drugs, surgical techs are not regulated on the national level, nor in 37 states. Colorado, one state that does, requires only that they register and does not check their backgrounds or have an educational requirement. By federal law, a national database tracks all medical malpractice payments and adverse state licensing and certification actions against physicians and nurses. Hospitals, law enforcement agencies and state regulators have access to that database. Since most states don't regulate surgical techs, they aren't tracked.