(a) For purposes of this section, “perfusion” means those functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement, or supplementation of the cardiovascular system, circulatory system with or without the oxygenation circuit, or any combination of those activities, and to ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring the necessary parameters of those systems pursuant to an order and under the supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon.

(b) Perfusion services include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1) The use of extracorporeal circulation, cardiopulmonary support techniques, and other ancillary therapeutic and diagnostic technologies. “Extracorporeal circulation,” as used in this section, means the diversion of a patient’s blood through a heart-lung machine or a similar device that assumes the functions of the patient’s heart, lungs, or both.

(2) Counterpulsation, ventricular assistance, autotransfusion, including blood conservation techniques, myocardial and organ preservation, extracorporeal life support, and isolated limb perfusion.

(3) The use of techniques involving blood management, advanced life support, and other related functions.

(c) Perfusion services also include, but only during the performance of functions described in subdivision (b), the following:

(1) The administration of pharmacological and therapeutic agents, blood products, or anesthetic agents through the extracorporeal circuit or through an intravenous line as ordered by a physician and surgeon.

(2) The performance and use of anticoagulation analysis, physiologic monitoring, blood gas and chemistry analysis, hematocrit analysis, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hemoconcentration, and hemodilution. Nothing in this paragraph shall exempt perfusionists from the requirements of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1200), including, but not limited to, quality assurance and equipment maintenance requirements.

(3) The observation of signs and symptoms related to perfusion services.

(4) Making a determination whether the signs and symptoms related to perfusion services exhibit abnormal characteristics.

(5) Implementation, based on observed abnormalities, of appropriate reporting, or perfusion protocols, or changes in treatment regimen, pursuant to an order by a physician and surgeon, or the initiation of emergency procedures. “Perfusion protocols” as used in this section means perfusion-related policies and protocols developed or approved by a licensed health facility or a physician and surgeon through collaboration with administrators and health professionals, including perfusionists.

(d) Commencing January 1, 1993, no person shall hold himself or herself out as a perfusionist, unless at the time of doing so the person meets the educational and examination requirements specified in subdivisions (e) and (f).

(e) Except as provided in subdivision (f), persons holding themselves out as perfusionists shall be graduates of a training program described in Section 2592 and produce satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the entire examination of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor agency, or the equivalent thereof if an equivalent is determined to be necessary by the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California.

(f) Any person may be deemed to have completed the equivalent of the examination and education requirements if that person is currently certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or if, as of January 1, 1993, the person has practiced as a perfusionist and has annually performed a minimum of 40 cases of cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery in a licensed health facility and has done so for at least five years since January 1, 1987. For the purposes of this subdivision, “licensed health facility” means a health facility licensed in any jurisdiction within the United States.

(g) In order to continue to use the title of “perfusionist,” the person shall complete the continuing education requirements of, or maintain active certification by, the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor agency, or the equivalent if an equivalent is determined to be necessary by the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California.

(h) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 677, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1998.)