Perfusionist
Becky Wisell
Administrator

Medical & Specialized Health

Legislation passed in 2007 (LB 236) to require licensure of all perfusionists.  The legislation became effective September 1, 2007; however, perfusionist licenses cannot be issued until regulations are approved to establish the licensure fee.  The Perfusionist Committee, the Board of Medicine and Surgery, and the Division of Public Health have been working to develop regulations to establish the licensure fee and to implement the Perfusion Practice Act.  The regulations have been drafted, and a public hearing date will soon be scheduled. 

Following are the four methods of applying for perfusionist licensure:

1.   Education and Examination

To obtain a license to practice perfusion based on education and examination, an applicant must:

• Graduate from an accredited perfusion education program;

• Pass the certification examination offered by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) that includes Part I, the Perfusion Basic Science Examination, and Part II, the Clinical Applications in Perfusion Examination, or a substantially equivalent examination approved by the Board of Medicine and Surgery;

• Have attained the age of majority;

• Have good moral character;

• Submit to the Department a completed application for a license to practice perfusion; and

• Pay the applicable fee of $100 and the Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) fee of $1 for each year remaining in the current biennial renewal period. Current total fee is $102. 

2. Work Experience (Only for applications received by February 27, 2008);

To obtain a license to practice perfusion based on work experience (waiver of education and examination requirements), an applicant must, on or before February 27, 2008:

• Submit evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant has been operating cardiopulmonary bypass systems for cardiac surgical patients as his/her primary function in a licensed health care facility for at least two of the last ten years prior to September 1, 2007;

• Have attained the age of majority;

• Have good moral character;

• Submit to the Department a completed application for a license to practice perfusion; and

• Pay the applicable fee of $100 and the Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) fee of $1 for each year remaining in the current biennial renewal period. Current total fee is $102.

3.   Board Certification

To obtain a license to practice perfusion based on board certification (waiver of education and examination requirements), an applicant must:

• Submit evidence of holding a current certificate as a Certified Clinical Perfusionist issued by the ABCP, or its successor;

• Have attained the age of majority;

• Have good moral character;

• Submit to the Department a completed application for a license to practice perfusion; and

• Pay the applicable fee of $100 and the Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) fee of $1 for each year remaining in the current biennial renewal period. Current total fee is $102. 

4.    Licensure in Another State

 To obtain a license to practice perfusion based on licensure in another state (waiver of education and examination requirements), an applicant must:

• Submit evidence of holding a credential as a perfusionist issued by another state or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia which has standards substantially equivalent to those of Nebraska;

• Have attained the age of majority;

• Have good moral character;

• Submit to the Department a completed application for a license to practice perfusion; and

• Pay the applicable fee of $100 and the Licensee Assistance Program (LAP) fee of $1 for each year remaining in the current biennial renewal period. Current total fee is $102. 

Any applications received by the Division of Public Health prior to regulations being approved will be held.  Perfusionist licenses cannot be issued until the regulations have been approved.  Perfusionists applying on the basis of Work Experience must submit their application on or before February 27, 2008. Perfusionists applying on any basis other than work experience may apply after February 27, 2008, but are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. After regulations are approved, all applicants will be notified, and the Division of Public Health will then be able to begin issuing perfusionist licenses. 

It is important that perfusionists update their mailing address with the Division of Public Health so that licensure information, including renewal notices, will reach them. 

Questions pertaining to perfusionist licensure can be directed to Claire Covert by e-mail at claire.covert@dhhs.ne.gov and to Vicki Bumgarner by e-mail at vicki.bumgarner@dhhs.ne.gov or by telephone at 402/471-2118.