Not true, an observer may be present with the permission of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, circulating RN, and patient......
My nephew was such an observer several times when a senior in high school since he was going to pursue a career in medicine.......
excuse moi, i meant within the surgical field,
gloved, either holding a retractor, or a knife,
or sponge, etc.
given the ether dome, mea culpa.