Sec. 603.003. PRACTICE OF PERFUSION. (a) In this section:

(1) "Extracorporeal circulation" 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) "Perfusion protocol" means a perfusion-related policy or protocol developed or approved by a licensed health facility or a physician through collaboration with administrators, licensed perfusionists, and other health professionals.

(b) A person practices perfusion under this chapter when the person performs activities necessary to:

(1) support, treat, measure, or supplement the cardiovascular, circulatory, or respiratory system, or a combination of those activities; or

(2) ensure the safe management of physiologic functions by monitoring the parameters of the systems under the order and supervision of a licensed physician.

(c) The practice of perfusion includes:

(1) using extracorporeal circulation, cardiopulmonary support techniques, and other therapeutic and diagnostic technologies;

(2) performing counterpulsation, ventricular assistance, autotransfusion, blood conservation techniques, administration of cardioplegia, and isolated limb perfusion;

(3) using techniques involving blood management, advanced life support, and other related functions; and

(4) in performing the acts described in this subdivision:

(A) administering:

(i) pharmacological and therapeutic agents; or

(ii) blood products or anesthetic agents through the extracorporeal circuit or through an intravenous line as ordered by a physician;

(B) performing and using anticoagulation analysis, physiologic analysis, blood gas and chemistry analysis, hematocrit analysis, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hemoconcentration, and hemodilution; and

(C) observing signs and symptoms related to perfusion services, determining whether the signs and symptoms exhibit abnormal characteristics, and implementing appropriate reporting, perfusion protocols, or changes in or the initiation of emergency procedures.

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.