Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 527 - State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists

**Oklahoma Administrative Code

Title 527 – State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists**

Overview and Purpose

Title 527 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code governs the licensing, regulation, and professional conduct of perfusionists in the State of Oklahoma. Perfusionists are healthcare professionals who operate cardiopulmonary bypass machines and related equipment during medical procedures, especially heart surgeries.

The primary objectives of Title 527 are to:

Protect public health and patient safety

Ensure professional competence and ethical practice

Standardize licensing and disciplinary procedures

Provide administrative authority to the State Board

1. State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists

Composition and Authority

The State Board is responsible for administering and enforcing the laws and rules governing perfusionists.

The Board has the authority to:

Grant, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses

Conduct investigations and hearings

Adopt rules and professional standards

Impose disciplinary actions

Powers

Issue subpoenas

Conduct examinations

Approve educational programs

Enforce compliance with professional standards

2. Licensing Requirements

Eligibility for Licensure

An applicant must generally:

Be of good moral character

Complete an accredited perfusion education program

Pass a recognized national certification examination

Submit a complete application with required fees

Types of Licenses

Initial License – for first-time applicants

Renewal License – required periodically (usually annually or biennially)

Temporary or Provisional License – under limited circumstances

3. Scope of Practice

Title 527 defines what a licensed perfusionist is authorized to do, including:

Operating extracorporeal circulation equipment

Monitoring physiological functions during surgery

Managing blood gases, anticoagulation, and perfusion pressures

Working under the supervision of a licensed physician

⚠️ Practicing outside the defined scope may result in disciplinary action.

4. Professional Conduct and Ethics

Standards of Conduct

Perfusionists must:

Maintain patient confidentiality

Practice competently and ethically

Follow physician orders and institutional protocols

Avoid fraudulent or deceptive practices

Unprofessional Conduct Includes

Practicing without a valid license

Gross negligence or incompetence

Substance abuse affecting practice

Falsifying records or credentials

Criminal conduct related to professional duties

5. Continuing Education

Licensed perfusionists must complete continuing education (CE) requirements to renew their licenses.

CE ensures professionals stay updated on:

Medical advancements

Safety standards

Ethical practices

Failure to meet CE requirements may result in non-renewal or suspension.

6. Complaints, Investigations, and Discipline

Complaints

Any person may file a complaint against a perfusionist.

Complaints are reviewed for validity and jurisdiction.

Investigations

The Board may conduct formal investigations.

Licensees must cooperate with investigations.

Disciplinary Actions

Possible actions include:

Letter of warning or reprimand

Probation

Suspension of license

Revocation of license

Administrative fines

7. Hearings and Due Process

Disciplinary proceedings follow administrative due process.

Licensees are entitled to:

Notice of allegations

Opportunity to be heard

Representation

Presentation of evidence

Decisions of the Board are subject to judicial review under Oklahoma administrative law.

8. Fees and Administrative Matters

Title 527 authorizes the Board to set:

Application fees

Renewal fees

Late penalties

Examination fees

Fees support the regulatory and enforcement functions of the Board.

Key Takeaways

Title 527 ensures safe, ethical, and competent perfusion practice in Oklahoma.

Licensing, education, and discipline are tightly regulated.

The Board has broad authority to protect the public.

Compliance with professional and ethical standards is mandatory.

LEAVE A COMMENT