This letter should serve only as an example of how to write a letter to a legislator and should not be copied. It is always more effective to send a personalized letter, using your own words to describe your individual situation.
John Doe123 Main StSeattle WA 80112
September 15, 2007
The Honorable John Doe State SenatorState CapitolOlympia WA 80112
Dear Senator Doe:
I am a concerned Certified Surgical Technologist residing in your legislative district. I have worked as a Certified Surgical Technologist for more than 10 years at General Hospital. I received my associate degree in surgical technology from the Community College of Washington in 1979 and was certified in 1980. I am writing you to provide you with information about the profession of surgical technology and to ask for your support of my profession and the surgical patient’s safety. Presently there is legislation to register Surgical Technologists in the state of Washington in HB 2458 sponsored by your colleague Representative Backlund.
The profession of surgical technology has been in practice for more than 45 years. I have enclosed informational brochures to acquaint you with surgical technologists and their responsibilities. Surgical technologists are not nurses; they are a separate category of allied health professionals who have in-depth education and training to work specifically in the operating room. They have attended formal educational programs and have passed a national certifying examination.
The surgical technologist’s primary responsibilities involve preparing the operating room and the instruments, equipment and supplies that will be needed; positioning and preparing the patient for surgery; and passing instruments, sponges and sutures to the surgeon. The surgical technologist is the surgical team’s expert in aseptic technique, being constantly vigilant for any break in technique that could endanger the sterile field so necessary to the successful outcome of the operation. Surgical technologists also may serve in other roles on the surgical team.
I would like to ask you to support this legislation to ensure quality patient safety and care in the state of Washington. This registration would register only those qualified and educated in surgical technology. This legislation would not affect or be in conflict with any other legally recognized practitioners in the operating room. This legislation is only a registration of qualified surgical technologists and is NOT a license or any attempt to make certain responsibilities the exclusive domain of surgical technologists. This legislation will allow the hospitals and physicians to have a choice of all qualified practitioners.
I would ask you to support HB2458 and help ensure quality cost-effective patient care. I appreciate your efforts on behalf of surgical technologists, and I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions, please contact me. My phone number is 212-555-1234.
Sincerely,
John Doe, CST
