SRC-JFA S.B. 1243 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1243 By: Madla Health & Human Services 3-31-97 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists (board) regulate and govern perfusionists under Article 4529e, V.T.C.S., the Licensed Perfusionists Act. A perfusionist is a health care professional who operates the heart/lung machine during open heart surgery and keeps a surgical patient alive while the patient's heart is stopped. The Act authorizes the board to contract with the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) to develop the licensure examination it administers. Section 9 of the Act specifies the maximum amount the board may impose for the examination and other fees. The cost of ABCP's examination now exceeds the $100 maximum the board is authorized to impose under the Act. The Act also authorizes perfusionists qualified to practice in other states to practice in Texas for up to 30 days per year without securing a Texas license. The board believes that foreign perfusionists are practicing in Texas in excess of the 30-day limit. This bill would remove the limitations on the amount of fees that the board is authorized to impose in connection with a perfusionist's license. Additionally, this bill would require persons authorized to practice perfusion in another state to notify the board and secure its approval prior to practicing in Texas and would reduce the permissible length of temporary practice for such perfusionists from 30 to 10 days per year. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 1243 removes the limitations on the amount of fees that the State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists is authorized to impose in connection with a perfusionist's license. Additionally, the bill amends the exemptions to the Licensed Perfusionists Act, Article 4529e, V.T.C.S. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 9, Article 4529e, V.T.C.S. (Licensed Perfusionists Act), to delete Subsection (b), which sets forth the limitations on the amount of fees that the State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists (board) is authorized to impose in connection with a license under this article. Makes conforming changes. SECTION 2. Amends Section 17, Article 4529e, V.T.C.S., to provide that this article does not apply to a person licensed by another health professional licensing board if, among other items, a person is not a resident of this state and, among other conditions, the person performs perfusionist's activities and services after prior notice to and approval by the board or its designated agent, for not more than 10, rather than 30, days in any one year. Makes a conforming change. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1997.