SCS/SB 253 - This act is known as the "Clinical Perfusionist Licensure Act" and develops qualifications for the licensure and regulatory procedures for perfusionist. Perfusion is a medical procedure in which blood or other fluids are injected into an artery in order to reach the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory systems or other organs or tissues.

The act grants the Board of Healing Arts the authority to create a licensing procedure for perfusionists. To become a licensed clinical perfusionist a person must have: (1) successfully completed a perfusion education program approved by the Board and meets the education standards established by the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education and approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; and (2) successfully passed a licensure examination prepared or approved by the Board.

A "Provisional Licensed Clinical Perfusionist" license may be issued by the Board to a person who: (1) has successfully completed an approved perfusion education program; (2) has paid the required application filing fee; and (3) is working under the supervision and direction of a licensed clinical perfusionist. A provisional license shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed.

The Advisory Commission for Perfusionists is also created under this act. The commission shall consist of five perfusionist members and two public members to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The act also specifies the members terms of office and procedures for the removal of a commission member.
CHERYL GRAZIER