Task Force on the Expansion of Perfusion

Purpose

This document defines the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT) Scope of Practice for Clinical Perfusionist Professionals and specifies their role as members of the health care team, acting in the best interest of the patient. The scope of practice is a “living” document that will evolve as techniques and technology expand.

The scope of practice defined here describes the breadth of professional practices offered within the Certified Clinical Perfusionist profession. Levels of education, experience, skill, and proficiency for the activities identified within this scope of practice vary among providers. A Clinical Perfusionist does not typically practice in all areas of the field. Individuals may only practice in areas in which they are competent, based on their education, training, and experience. Nonetheless, Clinical Perfusionists may expand their current level of expertise. Certain situations may necessitate that the Clinical Perfusionist pursue additional education or training to develop their scope of practice.

The scope of practice statement does not supersede existing state licensure laws (when applicable) or affect the interpretation or implementation of such laws. However, the scope of practice document may serve as a model for the development or modification of licensure laws.

Clinical Perfusion is a dynamic and continuously evolving profession; listing specific areas within the scope of practice does not exclude emerging practice areas. In certain instances, not explicitly identified in this document, Clinical Perfusionists may perform services, subject to appropriate training and competency validation, for the well-being of the individual(s) they are serving. In such instances, it is both ethically and legally incumbent upon professionals to determine that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct such tasks; consider referencing local institutional policy and AmSECT Standards and Guidelines for Perfusion Practice for guidance.

Definition of the Profession

The Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP) is a professional individual qualified by academic and clinical education, professional credentialing, the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) certification and state licensure if applicable to provide extracorporeal patient care services. The scope of practice of the Clinical Perfusionist includes those procedures, acts, and processes permitted by law that the clinical perfusionist has received didactic instruction, training, and clinical experience in which they have demonstrated competency.

Scope of Practice of the Profession

View the Scope of Practice of the Profession

Appendix

Code of Ethics & Interpretive Statements