STATE BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE [ 49 PA. CODE CH. 25 ] Perfusionist [42 Pa.B. 3607]
[Saturday, June 23, 2012]The State Board of Osteopathic Medicine (Board) proposes to amend §§ 25.215 and 25.231 (relating to definitions; and schedule of fees) and to add §§ 25.801—25.811 (relating to perfusionists) to read as set forth in Annex A.
Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking will be effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Statutory Authority
The proposed rulemaking is authorized under sections 13.3 and 16 of the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act (act) (63 P. S. §§ 271.13c and 271.16).
Background and Need for the Proposed Rulemaking
The act of June 11, 2008 (P. L. 161, No. 20) (Act 20) amended the act to provide for licensure of perfusionists. Section 2 of the act (63 P. S. § 271.2) now defines the term ''perfusion'' as ''the functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement or supplementation of the cardiovascular system or other organs, or a combination of those functions, and for ensuring the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring and analyzing the parameters of the systems under the supervision of a physician. . . .'' This proposed rulemaking would amend the Board's regulations to implement licensure of perfusionists under the act as amended by Act 20. This proposed rulemaking is also designed to provide to prospective licensees adequate notice of the requirements for licensure as a perfusionist.
Section 13.3(a) of the act provides that ''two years after the effective date of this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to hold himself out to the public as a perfusionist or to practice or offer to practice perfusion unless the person holds a valid, current license issued by the board or the State Board of Medicine.'' The Board did not propose a rulemaking to incorporate the ''grandfather'' provision of section 13.3(g) of the act. That section provided that, during the first 2 years after the effective date of Act 20, a person who was not a graduate of an accredited program prior to 1981, but who met the then-current eligibility requirements for certification as a certified clinical perfusionist and subsequently was certified, could become licensed if the person otherwise complies with the requirements for licensure. This statutory provision is self-executing on this particular issue and the qualifications for licensure in the act are clear and unambiguous.
Practice of perfusion in this Commonwealth without a license from the Board was prohibited after August 10, 2010. In June 2010, the Board, in conjunction with the State Board of Medicine (Medical Board), developed an application for licensure, which was placed on the Board's and the Medical Board's web sites. With the cooperation of stakeholders, including the Pennsylvania State Perfusion Society and the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology, the Board and the Medical Board notified the perfusionist community of the availability of the application process and the statutory deadline as well as the availability of the application forms electronically and by mail. The Board has worked to facilitate and expedite the access and transmittal of documentation of certification, education and insurance coverage. The Board also agreed on this occasion to consider the date of filing of the application as the controlling date, even if supporting documentation remained in transit. The application and license issuance procedure concluded with every applicant who was eligible under the ''grandfather'' provision and was otherwise qualified for licensure, receiving a license.
Description of the Proposed Rulemaking
The proposed rulemaking would add licensure as a perfusionist. The proposed rulemaking would first amend § 25.215 to add perfusionist to the list of other Board-regulated practitioners. Section 25.231 would set forth the fees associated with perfusionist licensure to be charged by the Board as authorized by section 13.3(l) of the act. To recover the costs of providing those services, the fee for applications for perfusionist license, reactivation of perfusionist license and temporary graduate perfusionist license would each be $50 and the fee for application for temporary provisional perfusionist license would be $40. Because the Board believes that the cost to provide the service would be minimal and does not want to delay application, the Board has not set a fee for notification of emergency practice as a perfusionist. To provide for an appropriate share of the general costs of operating the Board, the biennial renewal fee for a perfusionist would be $50.
The proposed rulemaking would also add Subchapter N (relating to perfusionists). Proposed § 25.801 (relating to purpose) would identify the purpose of the subchapter as providing for licensure of perfusionists. Proposed § 25.802 (relating to definitions) would provide necessary definitions. These include the statutory definitions of ''extracorporeal circulation,'' ''perfusion,'' ''perfusionist'' and ''ventricular assist device'' as used in the subchapter. Additionally, the Board would define ''ABCP'' as the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP), the National body that both administers the exam and certifies perfusionists. The Board would define ''CAAHEP'' as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which accredits perfusion education programs. The Board would define ''accredited perfusion program approved by the Board'' as a perfusion program accredited by a Nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board. The Board would further define ''Nationally-recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board'' as CAAHEP or other organization for which the Board publishes notice that the organization is approved by the Board as an accrediting agency for perfusionist programs. The Board would also define ''Nationally-recognized certifying agency approved by the Board'' as ABCP or other organization for which the Board publishes notice that the organization is approved by the Board as a certifying agency for perfusionist programs. Furthermore, the Board would define an ''hour of continuing education'' as ''at least 50 minutes of instruction, including question and answer sessions, in an approved course of continuing education or an equivalent time that an online or correspondence course would be presented live.'' This time is consistent with the standards for continuing education that is required by ABCP for recertification. Finally, the Board defines ''out-of-State perfusionist'' as an individual who holds a current license as a perfusionist in another state, the District of Columbia or a territory of the United States or has obtained certification by a certifying agency approved by a Nationally-recognized accrediting agency. The Board determined that it is necessary to define the term ''out-of-State perfusionist'' because section 13.3(j)(1) of the act contains the phrase ''in another state, the District of Columbia or a territory of the United States'' and uses the phrase ''out-of-State perfusionist'' throughout the remainder of section 13.3(j)(1)(i) and (ii), (2) and (3) of the act. Therefore, the Board defined ''out-of-State perfusionist'' as including these geographic entities and used the phrase ''out-of-State perfusionist'' in § 25.806 (relating to registration of temporary emergency perfusionist service).
Proposed § 25.803 (relating to application for perfusionist license) would address the application for licensure as perfusionist. Under proposed § 25.803(a), an applicant shall submit a completed application form, including necessary supporting documents, and pay the required application fee. Section 13.3(f) of the act sets five criteria for licensure as a perfusionist: 1) the applicant must be at least 18 years of age; 2) be of good moral character; 3) have graduated from an accredited perfusion program approved by the Board; 4) be certified by a certifying agency approved by a Nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board; and 5) complete an application form and pay the appropriate fee. Accordingly, proposed § 25.803(b)(1) would provide that the Board will license as a perfusionist an applicant who demonstrates that the applicant satisfies the requirements of section 13.3(f) of the act for licensure as a perfusionist. Because for proposed § 25.811 (relating to professional liability insurance coverage for licensed perfusionist), section 13.3(k) of the act requires a perfusionist to carry a minimum level of professional liability insurance, proposed § 25.803(b)(4) would require that an applicant provide proof of liability insurance. Because the Board is also setting forth in its proposed rulemaking grounds for disciplinary action in proposed § 25.809 (relating to disciplinary action for licensed perfusionist), proposed § 25.803(c) would provide that the Board may deny an application for perfusionist licensure upon those grounds for disciplinary action.
Proposed § 25.804 (relating to application for temporary graduate perfusionist license) would address the application for temporary graduate perfusionist license as provided in section 13.3(h) of the act. Under proposed § 25.804(a), an applicant shall submit a completed application form, including necessary supporting documents, and pay the required application fee. Because section 13.3(h)(1)(i) of the act provides that an individual's authorization to practice perfusion is granted only under the supervision and direction of a perfusionist licensed under the act, the Board would place this requirement at the beginning of proposed § 25.804(b). Section 13.3(h)(1) of the act provides that an individual who has graduated from an educational program in compliance with the education requirements and is eligible for and has applied for the examination may receive a temporary graduate license. These criteria, along with good moral character and being at least 18 years of age, would be set forth in proposed §§ 25.804(b)(1)—(3) as the basic requirements for a temporary graduate license. Because for proposed § 25.811, section 13.3(k) of the act requires a perfusionist to carry a minimum level of professional liability insurance, proposed § 25.804(b)(2) would require that an applicant provide proof of liability insurance. Because the Board is also setting forth in its proposed rulemaking grounds for disciplinary action in proposed § 25.809, proposed § 25.804(c) would provide that the Board may deny an application for perfusionist temporary graduate license upon those grounds for disciplinary action. Because section 13.3(h)(3) of the act provides that a temporary graduate license is to be issued for 2 years but not be renewable, proposed § 25.804(d) would provide that a temporary graduate perfusionist license expires 2 years after the date of issuance and may not be renewed. Because section 13.3(h)(4) of the act provides that a temporary graduate license is to expire upon notice of failing the required examination, proposed § 25.804(e) would provide that a temporary graduate perfusionist license expires upon notice to the Board that the holder failed the Nationally recognized accrediting agency's certification examination. The Board receives perfusionist test results directly from ABCP, the organization that administers the two-part examination. (For example, during 2011, the Board received the results of the March exam in April and the results of the October exam in December. As of December 22, 2011, there were only two licensed temporary graduate perfusionists in this Commonwealth.) If the Board were to receive a report that an individual has failed one of the two parts of the examination, the Board staff would determine if the individual holds a temporary graduate perfusionist license and, if so, would take appropriate steps to inform the license holder that the license was null and void and request return of the license. Furthermore, the Board would clarify in the last sentence of proposed § 25.804(e) that a perfusionist who fails the examination must immediately cease practice and return the temporary graduate perfusionist license to the Board.
Proposed § 25.805 (relating to application for temporary provisional perfusionist license) would address the application for temporary provisional perfusionist license, as provided in section 13.3(i) of the act. Under proposed § 25.805(a), an applicant shall submit a completed application form, including necessary supporting documents, and pay the required application fee. Section 13.3(i)(1)(i) and (ii) of the act provides that an individual who holds a current license in good standing under the laws of another state, which includes certification by a certifying agency approved by a Nationally recognized accrediting agency, may receive a temporary provisional license if the applicant meets the requirements of section 13.3(f)(1)—(3) of the act that the applicant is at least 18 years of age and of good moral character and has graduated from an accredited perfusion program approved by the Board. These criteria are in proposed § 25.805(b)(1)—(3) as the basic requirements for a temporary provisional license. Because section 13.3(k) of the act requires a perfusionist to carry a minimum level of professional liability insurance, proposed § 25.805(b)(4) would require that an applicant provide proof of liability insurance. Because the Board is also setting forth in this proposed rulemaking grounds for disciplinary action in proposed § 25.809, proposed § 25.805(c) would provide that the Board may deny an application for perfusionist temporary provisional license upon those grounds for disciplinary action in § 25.809. Because section 13.3(i)(2) of the act provides that a temporary provisional license is to be issued for 1 year but not be renewable, proposed § 25.805(d) would provide that a temporary provisional perfusionist license expires 1 year after the date of issuance and may not be renewed thereafter.
Section 13.3(j) of the act provides an exemption to the general prohibition against unlicensed practice for one-time temporary emergency services by an out-of-State licensed perfusionist when the licensed perfusionist that would normally have provided the services is unavailable or incapable of providing services and no other licensed perfusionist is available or capable of providing services. Section 13.3(j)(1)(i) and (ii) of the act requires the out-of-State perfusionist to provide to the Board electronic notice of the emergency and acknowledgment that the out-of-State perfusionist is subject to jurisdiction of the Board as if licensed by the Board and requires the health care facility to provide to the Board electronic notice that services were provided and the grounds for the exemption. Proposed § 25.806(a) would require the out-of-State perfusionist to register with the Board in accordance with section 13.3(j) of the act prior to providing emergency services. Under proposed § 25.806(b), the out-of-State perfusionist or other person acting on behalf of the out-of-State perfusionist (such as health care facility staff) shall submit by electronic means a completed registration on forms provided by the Board. It is anticipated that this registration will be done almost exclusively from the Board's web site. To provide clarity, the Board would state in § 25.806(b) what is meant by electronic means, including ''computer-to-computer, computer-to-facsimile machine or e-mail transmission.'' Because ''one-time emergency perfusionist service'' is not defined in section 13.3(j) of the act, proposed § 25.806(c) would provide that although the services are not limited to a single procedure or patient or group of related patients, the out-of-State perfusionist may not provide emergency services for longer than 72 hours. The Board chose this method because it provides a bright-line rule and would be more applicable to the situations for which emergency services would be needed. As to its selection of the 72-hour time limit, the Board believes that surgeons and health care facilities plan for groups of patients with procedures requiring perfusionist services, not necessarily a single patient with a single procedure. Should the planned perfusionist suddenly become unavailable, this would affect multiple patients and procedures, not just a single patient for a single procedure. An upper limit of 72 hours provides adequate time to perform those procedures that cannot wait and also to make alternative arrangements with one or more perfusionists licensed in this Commonwealth. The Board acknowledges that section 13.3(j)(1)(ii)(A) and (D) of the act requires the health care facility to certify that ''the emergency perfusionist services were provided for a patient of the health care facility,'' and that the ''out-of-State perfusionist provided only the emergency perfusionist services for the patient of the health care facility and no other perfusionist services at the health care facility.'' The Board interprets this language to limit perfusionist services to those that are emergencies as otherwise required in section 13.3(j) of the act, even if not for only a single patient. Section 13.3(j)(3) of the act prohibits the out-of-State perfusionist from providing services other than emergency services. Consistent with section 13.3(j)(2) of the act, proposed § 25.806(d) would provide that the out-of-State perfusionist may not provide further perfusionist service in this Commonwealth without being licensed as a perfusionist or holding a temporary graduate license or temporary provisional license.
Because licenses issued by the Board must be registered biennially as a condition of practice in accordance with section 10(c) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.10(c)) expire after 2 years and must be renewed biennially, proposed § 25.807 (relating to renewal of perfusionist license) would address biennial registration of perfusionist licenses. Proposed § 25.807(a) would require the licensed perfusionist to register by December 31 of each even-numbered year, which is the same expiration date for other perfusionist licenses issued by the Medical Board. Additionally, this subsection would require a licensed perfusionist to notify the Board within 10 business days of a change in name or address. Under proposed § 25.807(b), a licensed perfusionist is required to complete and submit the renewal application, including the required renewal fee, and disclose the following on the application: a license to practice as a perfusionist in any other jurisdiction; disciplinary action pending before or taken by the appropriate health care licensing authority in another jurisdiction; pending criminal charges; and convictions. A licensed perfusionist shall also verify on the application that the licensee has complied with the continuing education requirements and verify that if practicing as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth the licensee maintains professional liability insurance coverage as required under section 13.3(k) of the act.
Proposed § 25.808 (relating to inactive status of perfusionist license; reactivation of inactive license) would address inactive status of perfusionist licenses. Proposed § 25.808(a) would provide that license may become inactive either by the licensee's request or by expiration at the end of the biennial renewal period. To minimize the opportunity or consequence of a license being incorrectly placed on inactive status at what appears to be the request of the licensee, proposed § 25.808(a)(1) would provide that the Board will forward written confirmation of inactive status to the licensee. Proposed § 25.808(b) would provide that a perfusionist whose license is inactive may not practice as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth until the license has been reactivated. Proposed § 25.808(c) would provide the general requirement for reactivation of an inactive perfusionist license that the licensee shall apply on forms supplied by the Board, answer the questions fully, provide documentation of completion of the required amount of continuing education for the preceding biennium, as required under section 13.3(n)(5) of the act, pay the current renewal fee and the reactivation fee specified in § 25.231 and verify that the licensee did not practice as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth while the license was inactive. If the licensee does not verify that the licensee did not practice during the period of lapse, the license may be reactivated under proposed § 25.808(d) by paying additional fees. Under that proposed section, in addition to the requirements of subsection (c), the licensee shall pay the renewal fee for past renewal periods and a late fee of $5 per month. This late fee is the standard late renewal fee of section 225 of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Fee Act (63 P. S. § 1401-225). However, as provided in proposed § 25.808(d), payment of late fees will not preclude the Board from taking disciplinary action for practicing while the license was inactive.
Proposed § 25.809 addresses disciplinary action. Although section 13.3 of the act does not specifically authorize the Board to take disciplinary action against a licensed perfusionist, section 13.3(m) of the act provides that disciplinary action taken by the Board against a perfusionist shall be enforceable by the Medical Board if the perfusionist seeks licensure by that board. Section 15(b) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.15(b)) authorizes the Board ''to refuse, revoke or suspend the license of a physician assistant, respiratory therapist or athletic trainer,'' that is, the other nonphysicians licensed by the Board, for a variety of grounds. Accordingly, proposed § 25.809(a) would provide that a licensed perfusionist, including one holding a temporary graduate license or temporary provisional license, is subject to disciplinary action under section 15(b) of the act and that the Board may impose a corrective action in section 15(c) of the act. Because section 15(b)(9) of the act authorizes the Board to take disciplinary action for immoral or unprofessional conduct, proposed § 25.809(b) would define unprofessional conduct and proposed § 25.809(c) would define immoral conduct. Modeled upon § 25.201 (relating to grounds for complaint), unprofessional conduct would include the following: performing acts in a health care profession in a fraudulent or incompetent or negligent manner; violating a provision of the act or a regulation of the Board setting a standard of professional conduct; engaging in health care practice beyond the licensee's authority to practice; representing oneself to be a licensed physician or other health care provider; practicing while the licensee's ability to do so is impaired by alcohol, drugs, physical disability or mental instability; or revealing personally identifiable facts obtained as the result of the practitioner-patient relationship. Immoral conduct would include the following: misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in obtaining a license or reactivating or renewing the license; being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or committing an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or corruption. Additionally, unprofessional conduct would include engaging in conduct prohibited by § 25.216 (relating to sexual misconduct). Section 13.3(e)(2) of the act exempts from the general prohibition against practicing perfusion without a license a perfusion student who, among other requirements, is performing under the direct supervision of a perfusionist who is assigned to supervise the student. Likewise, section 13.3(e)(3) of the act exempts a perfusion graduate who, among other requirements, is performing under the supervision and responsibility of a perfusionist. Accordingly, proposed § 25.809(b)(8) would include in unprofessional conduct failing to provide supervision as required by section 13.3(e)(2) of the act of a perfusion student or failing to provide supervision as required under section 13.3(e)(3) of the act of a perfusion graduate who is not otherwise licensed by the Board to practice perfusion.
Section 13.3(n) of the act provides for required continuing education and proposed § 25.810 (relating to continuing education for licensed perfusionist) would address that topic. Proposed § 25.810(a) would set forth the general credit hour requirements. As required under section 13.3(n)(2) of the act, proposed § 25.810(a)(1) would require each licensed perfusionist to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education, including at least 10 hours in category I continuing education, applicable to the practice of perfusion during each biennial renewal period. Consistent with section 13.3(n)(3) of the act, a licensee would not be required to complete continuing education during the biennial renewal period in which the licensee was first licensed. In keeping with the statutory requirement for completing the continuing education requirement during each 2-year license period in section 13.3(n)(2) of the act, a licensee would not be permitted to carry over continuing education credit into a subsequent renewal period in proposed § 25.810(a)(2). The Board views the statutorily-mandated number of hours of continuing education for biennial license renewal as a minimum to maintain competence during each biennial period and encourages its licensees to take as much continuing education as each licensee believes assists in maintaining excellence in practice. Consistent with this view, the Board's continuing education regulations for medical doctors, respiratory care practitioners and athletic trainers, as well as the continuing education regulations for other health care practitioners, such as nurses, do not provide for the carryover of continuing education credits taken over the minimum required for license renewal.
As a practical consideration, this section would recognize that a licensee may need to make up deficient continuing education credit to reactivate an inactive license or if otherwise ordered by the Board. However, a particular hour of continuing education taken in a given biennial renewal period may not be used to satisfy the requirement both for that period and to make up a deficiency for a prior period. Section 13.3(n)(4) of the act permits a licensee to submit a written request for waiver of the continuing education requirement due to serious illness, military service or other demonstrated hardship. Proposed § 25.810(a)(3) would permit a licensee to request a waiver under these circumstances and would require that the waiver request be submitted at least 90 days before the end of the renewal period so that the Board could address the request and, if it is denied, give the licensee adequate opportunity to complete the required continuing education before the license would expire. Additionally, this proposed section would explicitly note that waiver may include extending the deadline, rather than simply relieving the licensee of the obligation to take continuing education. Proposed § 25.810(a)(4) would provide that a licensee would be subject to disciplinary action if the licensee submits false information to the Board regarding completion of the continuing education credit hour requirements or if a licensee fails to complete the required continuing education and practices as a perfusionist after the end of the biennial period.
Proposed § 25.810(b) would set forth the standards for documentation of continuing education that will be required for licensees to prove compliance with the continuing education requirements. In determining these requirements, representatives of the Board met with representatives of the Pennsylvania State Perfusion Society on November 10, 2011, and included detailed information in the regulatory provisions based on the documentation required by ABCP. Under proposed § 25.810(b)(1), a licensee shall receive a certified record of completion from the continuing education provider for attendance at an ABCP-approved perfusion meeting, setting forth the participant's name, the provider's name, the date of the course, the name of the course and the number of hours of continuing education. Proposed § 25.810(b)(2)—(11) would set forth the documentation that a licensee shall retain for the following types of continuing education: publication of a book, chapter or paper in a perfusion-related publication; a presentation at an ABCP-approved or international perfusion meeting; participation in an ABCP knowledge base survey; reading or viewing medical journals, audio-visual or other educational materials; participation in a perfusion-related self-study module or electronic forum; participation in a perfusion-related journal club; completion of an academic course; presentation of a perfusion topic at a meeting that is not approved by ABCP; participation as a clinical or didactic instructor in an accredited program; and participation in a site visitors' workshop or as an official site visit. Proposed § 25.810(b)(12) would require the licensee to retain the record for at least 5 years after completion of the continuing education course or biennial registration period for which the continuing education was required, whichever is later. Because the Board will conduct post-renewal audits of licensees to verify compliance with the continuing education requirements, proposed § 25.810(b)(13) would require the licensee to submit proof of continuing education activities upon request by the Board.
Proposed 25.810(c) would set forth the types of activities for which continuing education credit may be earned detailing how these continuing education activities will be quantified and the number of continuing education credits that a licensee may earn for completing each of the enumerated types of continuing education. In determining these requirements, representatives of the Board met with representatives of the Pennsylvania State Perfusion Society and included in the regulatory provisions the quantification of continuing education used by ABCP. In some instances, the Board's provisions are not identical to those of ABCP because ABCP requires continuing education on a triennial, rather than biennial, basis, thereby making an identical match difficult. However, the specific quantification of the credits would provide licensees with notice of how continuing education activities will be quantified for license renewal. Under proposed § 25.810(c)(1), category I continuing education (which must provide at least 10 of the required 30 hours) could be earned by attendance at ABCP-approved perfusion meetings, publication of a perfusion-related book, chapter or paper in a professional publication, presentation at an ABCP-approved or international perfusion meeting or completion of an ABCP-knowledge base survey. Under proposed § 25.810(c)(2), other continuing education to reach the required total could be earned by reading or viewing medical journals, audio-visual or other educational materials, participating in perfusion-related self-study modules, electronic forums or journal clubs, completion of a science or health care-related academic course at a regionally accredited college or university, presentation of a perfusion topic at a meeting that is not approved by ABCP, working as a clinical or didactic instructor in an accredited school of perfusion or participating in site visitor workshop or as an official site visitor for perfusion program accreditation. However, as noted in section 13.3(n)(6) of the act, proposed § 25.810(c)(3) would prohibit continuing education credit for a course in office management.
Because section 13.3(k) of the act provides for required professional liability insurance for perfusionists, proposed § 25.811(a) would require a licensed perfusionist to maintain a level of professional liability insurance. Proposed § 25.811(d) would prohibit a perfusionist who does not have the required amount of liability insurance from practicing as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth. Section 13.3(k)(2) of the act requires an applicant to provide proof that the applicant has obtained the liability insurance. Section 13.3(k)(1)(i)—(iii) of the act requires evidence of insurance in the form of self-insurance, personally purchased liability insurance or professional liability insurance coverage provided by the perfusionist's employer or similar insurance coverage acceptable to the Board. Accordingly, proposed § 25.811(b) would set forth the two possible options that proof of liability insurance may include. Proposed § 25.811(b)(1) would require either a certificate of insurance or a copy of the declarations page from the insurance policy setting forth the effective and expiration dates and the dollar amounts of coverage. Proposed § 25.811(b)(2) would allow for evidence of a plan of self-insurance as approved by the Insurance Commissioner of the Commonwealth under regulations of the Insurance Department in 31 Pa. Code Chapter 243 (relating to medical malpractice and health-related self-insurance plans). Section 13.3(k)(2) of the act permits an applicant to file with the application a letter from an insurance carrier stating that the applicant will be covered in the required amounts effective upon issuance of the license, but the applicant shall then submit the certificate of insurance or copy of the declaration page within 30 days after issuance of the license. To effectuate this provision, proposed § 25.801(c) would provide that a license issued in reliance upon the insurance carrier's letter will become inactive as a matter of law 30 days after the license is issued if the licensee has not submitted proof of insurance. The license will be inactive and not suspended, because it is not a disciplinary action, as insurance is required only if practicing as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth.
Fiscal Impact and Paperwork Requirements
The proposed rulemaking will not have adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions. Perfusionists who wish to become licensed to practice in this Commonwealth will bear the fiscal impact of the proposed rulemaking in the form of required fees and costs associated with obtaining the required continuing education. The Board has developed forms required to implement the proposed rulemaking. The proposed rulemaking will not impose additional paperwork requirements upon the Commonwealth, political subdivisions or the private sector.
Sunset Date
The Board continuously monitors the effectiveness of its regulations. Therefore, a sunset date has not been assigned.
Regulatory Review
Under section 5(a) of the Regulatory Review Act (71 P. S. § 745.5(a)), on June 12, 2012, the Board submitted a copy of this proposed rulemaking and a copy of a Regulatory Analysis Form to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) and the Chairpersons of the House Professional Licensure Committee and the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee. A copy of this material is available to the public upon request.
Under section 5(g) of the Regulatory Review Act, IRRC may convey comments, recommendations or objections to the proposed rulemaking within 30 days of the close of the public comment period. The comments, recommendations or objections must specify the regulatory review criteria which have not been met. The Regulatory Review Act specifies detailed procedures for review, prior to final publication of the rulemaking, by the Board, the General Assembly and the Governor of comments, recommendations or objections raised.
Public Comment
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, suggestions or objections regarding this proposed rulemaking to the Regulatory Unit Counsel, Department of State, P. O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649, st-osteopathic@state.pa.us within 30 days following publication of this proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Reference No. 16A-5324 (perfusionist) when submitting comments.
ALFRED J. POGGI, D.O.,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 16A-5324. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 49. PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS PART I. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Subpart A. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS CHAPTER 25. STATE BOARD OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE Subchapter D. MINIMUM STANDARDS OF PRACTICE § 25.215. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Board-regulated practitioner—An osteopathic physician, perfusionist, physician assistant, respiratory care practitioner, athletic trainer, acupuncturist or an applicant for a license or certificate issued by the Board.
* * * * * Subchapter F. FEES § 25.231. Schedule of fees.
An applicant for a license, certificate, registration or service shall pay the following fees at the time of application:
* * * * * Application for acupuncturist supervisor regis-
tration ............$30Application for perfusionist license ............ $ 50
Biennial renewal of perfusionist license ............ $ 50
Application for reactivation of perfusionist
license ............ $ 50Application for temporary graduate
perfusionist license ............ $ 50Application for temporary provisional
perfusionist license ............ $ 40(Editor's Note: Subchapter N is new and printed in regular type to enhance readability.)
Subchapter N. PERFUSIONISTS Sec.
25.801. Purpose. 25.802. Definitions. 25.803. Application for perfusionist license. 25.804. Application for temporary graduate perfusionist license. 25.805. Application for temporary provisional perfusionist license. 25.806. Registration of temporary emergency perfusionist service. 25.807. Renewal of perfusionist license. 25.808. Inactive status of perfusionist license; reactivation of inactive license. 25.809. Disciplinary action for licensed perfusionist. 25.810. Continuing education for licensed perfusionist. 25.811. Professional liability insurance coverage for licensed perfusionist. § 25.801. Purpose.
This subchapter implements section 13.3 of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c), regarding perfusionists.
§ 25.802. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
ABCP—The American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Accredited perfusion program approved by the Board—A perfusion program accredited by a Nationally-recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board.
CAAHEP—The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Extracorporeal circulation—The diversion of a patient's blood through a heart-lung machine or similar device that assumes the functions of the patient's heart, lung, kidney, liver or other organ.
Hour of continuing education—At least 50 minutes of instruction, including relevant question and answer sessions, in an approved course of continuing education or an equivalent time that an online or correspondence course would be presented live.
Nationally-recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board—CAAHEP or other organization for which the Board publishes notice that the organization is approved by the Board as an accrediting agency for perfusionists.
Nationally-recognized certifying agency approved by the Board—ABCP or other organization for which the Board publishes notice that the organization is approved by the Board as a certifying agency for perfusionists.
Out-of-State perfusionist—An individual who holds a current license as a perfusionist in another state, the District of Columbia or a territory of the United States or has obtained certification by a certifying agency approved by a Nationally-recognized accrediting agency.
Perfusion—The functions necessary for the support, treatment, measurement or supplementation of the cardiovascular systems or other organs, or a combination of those functions, and for ensuring the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring and analyzing the parameters of the systems under the supervision of a physician licensed under the act or the Medical Practice Act of 1985 (63 P. S. §§ 422.1—422.51a).
Perfusionist—An individual who is licensed to practice perfusion by the Board or the State Board of Medicine.
Ventricular assist device—
(i) A mechanical device used to partially or completely replace the function of a failing heart through connections to the heart and great vessels that may be located intracorporeally or extracorporeally.
(ii) The term includes a device that is placed intravascularly or extravascularly and provides support through direct means or through counterpulsation.
§ 25.803. Application for perfusionist license.
(a) An applicant for a license to practice as a perfusionist shall submit, on forms made available by the Board, a completed application, including the necessary supporting documents, for license to practice as a perfusionist and pay the fee in § 25.231 (relating to schedule of fees) for application for a perfusionist license.
(b) The Board may issue a license to practice as a perfusionist to an applicant who:
(1) Demonstrates that the applicant holds a current certification by a certifying agency approved by a Nationally-recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board.
(2) Demonstrates that the applicant has graduated from an accredited perfusion program approved by the Board.
(3) Demonstrates that the applicant is at least 18 years of age and of good moral character.
(4) Demonstrates that the applicant has obtained professional liability insurance as required under section 13.3(k) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(k)).
(5) Otherwise complies with this subchapter.
(c) The Board may deny an application for licensure as a perfusionist upon the grounds for disciplinary action in § 25.809 (relating to disciplinary action for licensed perfusionist).
§ 25.804. Application for temporary graduate perfusionist license.
(a) An applicant for a temporary graduate perfusionist license shall submit, on forms made available by the Board, a completed application, including the necessary supporting documents, and pay the fee in § 25.231 (relating to schedule of fees) for application for a temporary graduate perfusionist license.
(b) The Board may grant a temporary graduate perfusionist license, which authorizes the license holder to practice only under the supervision and direction of a perfusionist licensed under the act, to an applicant who:
(1) Demonstrates that the applicant is eligible for and has applied to sit for the examination of a certifying agency approved by a Nationally-recognized accrediting agency approved by the Board.
(2) Demonstrates that the applicant has graduated from an accredited perfusion program approved by the Board.
(3) Demonstrates that the applicant is at least 18 years of age and of good moral character.
(4) Demonstrates that the applicant has obtained professional liability insurance as required under section 13.3(k) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(k)).
(5) Otherwise complies with this subchapter.
(c) The Board may deny an application for temporary graduate perfusionist license upon the grounds for disciplinary action in § 25.809 (relating to disciplinary action for licensed perfusionist).
(d) A temporary graduate perfusionist license expires 2 years after the date of issuance and may not be renewed.
(e) A temporary graduate perfusionist license expires upon notice to the Board that the holder has failed the Nationally-recognized certifying agency's certification examination. The holder of a temporary graduate perfusionist license who fails the examination shall immediately cease practicing and return the license to the Board.
§ 25.805. Application for temporary provisional perfusionist license.
(a) An applicant for a temporary provisional perfusionist license shall submit, on forms made available by the Board, a completed application, including the necessary supporting documents, and pay the fee in § 25.231 (relating to schedule of fees) for application for a temporary provisional perfusionist license.
(b) The Board may grant a temporary provisional perfusionist license to an applicant who:
(1) Demonstrates that the applicant holds a current license in good standing under the laws of another state, the District of Columbia or a territory of the United States that includes certification by a certifying agency approved by a Nationally-recognized accrediting agency.
(2) Demonstrates that the applicant has graduated from an accredited perfusion program approved by the Board.
(3) Demonstrates that the applicant is at least 18 years of age and of good moral character.
(4) Demonstrates that the applicant has obtained professional liability insurance as required under section 13.3(k) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(k)).
(5) Otherwise complies with this subchapter.
(c) The Board may deny an application for temporary provisional perfusionist licensure upon the grounds for disciplinary action in § 25.809 (relating to disciplinary action for licensed perfusionist).
(d) A temporary provisional perfusionist license expires 1 year after the date of issuance and may not be renewed.
§ 25.806. Registration of temporary emergency perfusionist service.
(a) An out-of-State perfusionist shall register with the Board in accordance with this section prior to providing temporary emergency perfusionist service in this Commonwealth in accordance with section 13.3(j) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(j)).
(b) The out-of-State perfusionist or another person acting on behalf of the out-of-State perfusionist shall submit, on forms made available by the Board, a completed registration form with the questions fully answered. The completed registered form shall be submitted by electronic means, including computer-to-computer, computer-to-facsimile machine or e-mail transmission.
(c) Although not limited to a single procedure or single patient or group of related patients, an out-of-State perfusionist may provide temporary emergency perfusionist services in this Commonwealth for no longer than 72 hours.
(d) An out-of-State perfusionist may not provide temporary emergency perfusionist service in this Commonwealth more than once without being licensed in accordance with § 25.803, § 25.804 or § 25.805 (relating to application for perfusionist license; application for temporary graduate perfusionist license; and application for temporary provisional perfusionist license).
§ 25.807. Renewal of perfusionist license.
(a) The license of a perfusionist expires biennially on December 31 of each even-numbered year. It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the Board of a change in name or mailing address within 10 business days of the change. A perfusionist may not practice after December 31 of an even-numbered year unless the perfusionist has completed the biennial registration process and the Board has issued a renewed registration.
(b) As a condition of biennial registration, a perfusionist shall:
(1) Submit a completed application, including payment of the biennial renewal fee in § 25.231 (relating to schedule of fees), for application for biennial renewal of a perfusionist license.
(2) Disclose on the application a license to practice as a perfusionist in another state, territory, possession or country.
(3) Disclose on the application disciplinary action pending before or taken by the appropriate health care licensing authority in another jurisdiction or taken since the most recent application for renewal, whether or not licensed to practice in that other jurisdiction.
(4) Disclose on the application pending criminal charges and a finding or verdict of guilt, admission of guilt, plea of nolo contendere or other criminal conviction since the most recent application for renewal.
(5) Verify on the application that the licensed perfusionist has complied with the continuing education requirements mandated under section 13.3(n) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(n)) during the biennial period immediately preceding the period for which renewal is sought in accordance with § 25.810 (relating to continuing education for licensed perfusionist).
(6) Verify on the application that, if practicing as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth, the licensee maintains professional liability insurance coverage in accordance with section 13.3(k) of the act.
§ 25.808. Inactive status of perfusionist license; reactivation of inactive license.
(a) A perfusionist license will become inactive upon either of the following:
(1) The licensee requests in writing that the Board place the license on inactive status. Written confirmation of inactive status will be forwarded to the licensee.
(2) The licensee fails to renew the certificate by the expiration of the renewal period on December 31 of each even-numbered year.
(b) A perfusionist whose license has become inactive may not practice as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth until the license has been reactivated.
(c) To reactivate an inactive license, the licensee shall apply on forms made available by the Board with the questions fully answered. The licensee shall:
(1) Include the documentation required under § 25.810(b) (relating to continuing education for licensed perfusionist) for the immediately preceding biennium, which may be completed during the current biennium. Unless waived by the Board under section 13.3(n)(4) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(n)(4)), the Board will not reactivate a license until the required continuing education for the preceding biennium has been successfully completed.
(2) Pay the current renewal fee and the reactivation application fee in § 25.231 (relating to schedule of fees).
(3) Verify that the licensee did not practice as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth while the license was inactive except as provided in subsection (d).
(d) A licensee who has practiced with an inactive license and who cannot make the verification required under subsection (c)(3) shall also pay the fees required under this subsection. Payment of a late fee does not preclude the Board from taking disciplinary action for practicing as a perfusionist without a current license.
(1) A licensee whose license was active at the end of the immediately preceding biennial renewal period and who practiced after the license became inactive shall pay a late fee of $5 for each month or part of a month from the beginning of the current biennium until the date the reactivation application is filed.
(2) A licensee whose license has been inactive since before the beginning of the current biennium shall pay the renewal fee for each biennial renewal period during which the licensee practiced and pay a late fee of $5 for each month or part of a month from the first date the licensee practiced as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth after the license became inactive until the date the reactivation application is filed.
§ 25.809. Disciplinary action for licensed perfusionist.
(a) A licensed perfusionist, including a perfusionist holding a temporary graduate license or a temporary provisional license, is subject to disciplinary action under section 15(b) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.15(b)). Following a final determination subject to the right of notice, hearing and adjudication and the right of appeal in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. §§ 501—508 and 701—704 (relating to Administrative Agency Law), the Board may impose a corrective action in section 15(c) of the act.
(b) Unprofessional conduct includes:
(1) Engaging in conduct prohibited by § 25.216 (relating to sexual misconduct).
(2) Performing an act in a health care profession in a fraudulent, incompetent or negligent manner.
(3) Violating a provision of the act or this chapter setting a standard of professional conduct.
(4) Engaging in health care practice beyond the licensee's authority to practice.
(5) Representing oneself to be a physician, physician assistant, certified registered nurse practitioner or other health care practitioner whose profession the perfusionist is not licensed to practice.
(6) Practicing while the licensee's ability to do so is impaired by alcohol, drugs, physical disability or mental instability.
(7) Revealing personally identifiable facts obtained as the result of a practitioner-patient relationship without the prior consent of the patient, except as authorized or required under statute or regulation.
(8) Failing to provide supervision as required under section 13.3(e)(2) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(e)(2)) of a perfusion student or failing to provide supervision as required under section 13.3(e)(3) of the act of a perfusion graduate who is not otherwise licensed by the Board to perform perfusion in this Commonwealth.
(c) Immoral conduct includes:
(1) Misrepresenting or concealing a material fact in obtaining a license issued by the Board or renewal, reactivation or reinstatement thereof.
(2) Being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or corruption in the courts of the Commonwealth, the United States, another state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States or another country.
(3) Committing an act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty or corruption.
§ 25.810. Continuing education for licensed perfusionist.
(a) Credit hour requirements. A licensed perfusionist shall satisfy the following continuing education credit hour requirements.
(1) As a condition for biennial registration, a licensee shall complete at least 30 hours of continuing education applicable to the practice of perfusion, including at least 10 hours of category I continuing education. A licensee is not required to complete continuing education during the biennium in which the licensee was first licensed.
(2) Except when reactivating an inactive license, when the Board has granted a waiver or when ordered by the Board, continuing education credits may be used to satisfy the continuing education credit hour requirements only for the biennial period in which the credits were earned. An hour of continuing education may not be used to satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1) for more than 1 biennium.
(3) A licensee may request a waiver of the continuing education credit hour requirements because of serious illness, military service or other demonstrated hardship by submitting a request for waiver with supporting documentation to the Board at least 90 days prior to the end of the biennial registration period for which the waiver is sought. The Board may grant the waiver request in whole or in part and may extend the deadline by which the credit hour requirements shall be met.
(4) A licensee may be subject to disciplinary sanction as provided in section 15 of the act (63 P. S. § 271.15), including the suspension or revocation of the license, imposition of a civil penalty or other corrective measure as determined by the Board if the licensee either submits false information to the Board regarding completion of the continuing education credit hour requirements to complete biennial registration or fails to complete the continuing education hour requirements and practices as a perfusionist after the end of the biennial period.
(b) Documentation of continuing education. Continuing education shall be documented in the following manner.
(1) Proof of attendance at an ABCP-approved perfusion meeting consists of a certified record issued by the provider, including:
(i) The name of the participant.
(ii) The name of the provider.
(iii) The date or dates of the course.
(iv) The name of the course.
(v) The number of hours of continuing education credit.
(2) Proof of a perfusion-related publication consists of the complete citation reference to the book, chapter or paper in a professional publication.
(3) Proof of presentation at an ABCP-approved or international perfusion meeting consists of a copy of the program agenda.
(4) Proof of participation in an ABCP knowledge base survey consists of a letter from ABCP.
(5) Proof of reading or viewing medical journals, audio-visual or other educational materials consists of a list of the compete citation reference for the materials read or reviewed.
(6) Proof of participation in a perfusion-related self-study module or electronic forum consists of a copy of the printed completion document supplied by the sponsor.
(7) Proof of participation in a perfusion-related journal club consists of the meeting agenda with topic and date.
(8) Proof of completion of an academic course consists of a copy of the official college or university transcript.
(9) Proof of presentation of a perfusion topic at a meeting that is not approved by the ABCP consists of a copy of the meeting agenda.
(10) Proof of participation as a clinical or didactic instructor in an accredited program consists of a letter of confirmation of the instructor's status from the program director.
(11) Proof of participation in a site visitors' workshop or as an official site visit consists of a letter from the ABCP.
(12) A licensee shall retain proof of completion of continuing education for 5 years after completion of the continuing education or after the completion of the biennial renewal period during which the continuing education was required, whichever is later.
(13) The Board will audit licensees to verify compliance with continuing education requirements. A licensee shall submit proof of continuing education activities upon request by the Board.
(c) Continuing education activities. Credit for continuing education may be earned in the following activities.
(1) Category I continuing education may be earned by:
(i) Attendance at an ABCP-approved perfusion meeting. One continuing education credit may be earned for each hour of continuing education.
(ii) Publication of a perfusion-related book, chapter or paper in a professional publication. Five continuing education credits may be earned for each publication.
(iii) Presentation at an ABCP-approved or international, National, regional, state or local perfusion meeting. Five continuing education credits may be earned for each presentation. Two credits may be earned for each poster presentation or exhibit.
(iv) Completion of an ABCP knowledge base survey. Five continuing education hours may be earned for completing the continuing education activity. The activity may only be counted for credit once in a biennial period.
(2) In addition to category I, continuing education may also be earned by:
(i) Reading or viewing medical journals, audio-visual or other educational materials. One continuing education credit may be earned for each medical journal, audio-visual or other educational material read or viewed with a maximum of ten credits biennially.
(ii) Participation in perfusion-related self-study modules or electronic forums. One continuing education credit may be earned for each 50- to 60-minute period of the activity with a maximum of ten credits biennially.
(iii) Participation in a perfusion-related journal club. One continuing education credit may be earned for each 50 to 60 minute period of the activity, with a maximum of ten credits biennially.
(iv) Completion of a science or health care-related academic course at a regionally accredited college or university. One continuing education credit may be earned biennially.
(v) Presentation of a perfusion topic at a meeting that is not approved by ABCP. One continuing education credit may be earned biennially.
(vi) Working as a clinical or didactic instructor in an accredited school of perfusion. Two continuing education credits may be earned with a maximum of four credits biennially.
(vii) Participation in a site visitors' workshop or as an official site visitor for perfusion program accreditation. Five continuing education credits may be earned. The activity may only be counted for credit once in a biennial period.
(3) Continuing education credit may not be earned in a course in office management.
§ 25.811. Professional liability insurance coverage for licensed perfusionist.
(a) A licensed perfusionist shall maintain a level of professional liability insurance coverage as required under section 13.3(k) of the act (63 P. S. § 271.13c(k)).
(b) Proof of professional liability insurance coverage may include:
(1) A certificate of insurance or copy of the declaration page from the insurance policy setting forth the effective date, expiration date and dollar amounts of coverage.
(2) Evidence of a plan of self-insurance approved by the Insurance Commissioner of the Commonwealth under regulations of the Insurance Department in 31 Pa. Code Chapter 243 (relating to medical malpractice and health-related self-insurance plans).
(c) A license that was issued in reliance upon a letter from the applicant's insurance carrier indicating that the applicant will be covered against professional liability effective upon the issuance of the applicant's license as permitted under section 13.3(k)(2) of the act will become inactive as a matter of law 30 days after the date of issuance on the license if the licensee has not provided proof of professional liability insurance coverage and will remain inactive until the licensee provides proof of insurance coverage.
(d) A licensee who does not have professional liability insurance coverage as required under section 13.3(k) of the act may not practice as a perfusionist in this Commonwealth.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-1164. Filed for public inspection June 22, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]
