MADISON – The Wisconsin Association of Surgical Technologists (WIAST) recently presented state Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-New Richmond) with its Legislative Champion Award for his leadership on the Surgical Technologist Workforce and Patient Safety Act to establish minimum education and training standards for surgical technologists in Wisconsin. Wisconsin AST members were thrilled to recognize Kreibich for his support of key policies to ensure patient safety and enhance Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce.

“Recognizing Rep. Kreibich with the AST Legislative Champion Award was an easy decision. His support for the Surgical Technologist Workforce and Patient Safety Act is laudable, and our members were excited to recognize him for his leadership,” said Bridget Hanson, Wisconsin AST Board Chair. “We greatly appreciate Rep. Kreibich for his support and for understanding the need to align healthcare workforce standards with the complexity of modern medicine and ultimately improve the quality of surgical care in Wisconsin.”

Kreibich earned AST’s Legislative Champion Award for his work on legislation to standardize the training, skills, and competency levels of surgical technologists in Wisconsin, with the goal to eliminate professional inconsistencies and enhance patient safety during surgical procedures.

“To ensure quality patient care and achieve optimal surgical outcomes, it is necessary to assure competence of all members of the surgical team, including surgical technologists,” said Rep. Kreibich. “I was happy to sponsor this bill because we want to minimize risk in the operating room.”

Kreibich, who was re-elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 2024 after serving in the Assembly from 1992 to 2006, chairs the Assembly Commerce Committee and serves on several other key committees, including the Assembly Housing and Real Estate Committee. He represents the 28^th Assembly District, which covers portions of St. Croix, Dunn, and Pierce counties, and includes the cities of New Richmond and Glenwood City.

The Wisconsin Association of Surgical Technologists is a professional organization representing Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin. As an official state assembly under the leadership of national AST, its mission is to enhance the quality of surgical care and provide Surgical Technologists with opportunities for growth through continuing education, advocacy, and professional networking.

Submitted by Wisconsin Association of Surgical Technologists