(a) No person shall practice perfusion in this state unless the person holds a valid license from the department to practice perfusion in this state. No person shall use the title “perfusionist” or make use of any title, words, letters or abbreviations that may reasonably be confused with licensure as a perfusionist unless such person holds a valid license from the department to practice perfusion in this state.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, each person seeking licensure to practice perfusion in this state shall make application on forms prescribed by the department, pay an application fee of three hundred fifteen dollars and present to the department satisfactory evidence that such person (1) successfully completed a perfusion education program with standards established by the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education and approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; (2) completed a minimum of fifty cases after graduating from a perfusion education program accredited or approved pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection; and (3) after completing the requirements set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection, successfully completed the certification examination offered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, or its successor. The commissioner shall grant a license as a perfusionist to any applicant who meets the requirements of this subsection.

(c) In lieu of the requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this section, a person may qualify for a license to practice perfusion in this state, provided such person: (1) Is currently certified by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion; (2) has worked as a perfusionist in a licensed health care facility in another state for a period of not less than five years; and (3) has had no lapse in active practice as perfusionist greater than twenty-four months at the time of filing a licensure application in Connecticut. The commissioner may grant a license as a perfusionist to any applicant who meets the requirements of this subsection.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to apply to the activities and services of a person who (1) has successfully completed a perfusion education program that meets the criteria of subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section from gaining experience in the practice of perfusion, provided such activities (A) are necessary to satisfy the requirements of subdivision (2) of said subsection (b), (B) are performed under direct supervision, and (C) such person is designated as an intern or trainee or other such title indicating the training status appropriate to such person's level of training, or (2) is enrolled in an accredited perfusion education program and performing such work as is incidental to the course of study.

(e) The provisions of this section do not apply to any practicing physician or surgeon licensed under chapter 370.

(f) No license shall be issued under this section to any applicant against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint in this or any other state or territory.

(g) Licenses shall be renewed annually in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88 for a fee of three hundred twenty dollars.

(P.A. 05-280, S. 70; P.A. 08-184, S. 30; Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-8, S. 25, 26; P.A. 15-244, S. 120; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5, S. 474.)

History: This section was originally published as Sec. 20-162s in the 2006 Supplement to the General Statutes; P.A. 08-184 amended Subsec. (b) by adding “Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section” and amended Subsec. (c) by substituting new alternative licensure criteria and by replacing “shall” with “may” re commissioner's authority to grant license to an applicant, effective June 12, 2008; Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-8 amended Subsec. (b) by increasing fee from $250 to $315, effective October 5, 2009, and amended Subsec. (g) by increasing fee from $250 to $315, effective October 5, 2009, and applicable to the renewal of a license that expires on or after October 1, 2009; P.A. 15-244 amended Subsec. (g) to increase renewal fee from $315 to $320, effective July 1, 2015; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 15-5 changed effective date of P.A. 15-244, S. 120, from July 1, 2015, to October 1, 2015, and applicable to the renewal of a license or certificate that expires on or after that date, effective June 30, 2015.