HB 2398

Abstract

Amends the Perfusionist Practice Act. Replaces all references to "Director" with "Secretary". Exempts a new graduate who performs perfusion services for a period of 14 months after he or she graduates from an accredited perfusion education program so long as the graduate is under the direct supervision of a licensed perfusionist or a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Provides that the Department may adopt rules to require that licensees receive 30 hours of continuing education per 2 year license renewal cycle. Changes provisions concerning the refusal, suspension, and revocation of licenses by the Secretary. Provides that the Department shall automatically terminate a license or deny an application if a fee or fine remains unpaid by the licensee or applicant 30 days after giving notice to the licensee or applicant of a returned check. Provides that the Department or Board may order a licensee or applicant to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, for certain violations of the Act. Provides that the Secretary may, through the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of the county in which a violation is alleged to have occurred, petition for an order enjoining a violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Provides that any circuit court, upon application of the Department or designated hearing officer, may enter an order requiring the attendance of witnesses and their testimony, and certain other documents in connection with any hearing or investigation under the Act. Provides that whenever the Secretary believes that substantial justice has not been done in the revocation or suspension of a license, or refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license, or other discipline of an applicant or licensee, the Secretary may order a rehearing by the same or another examiner. Provides that any person who violates any provision of the Act shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony for each subsequent offense. Increases the limit for any fine or civil penalty imposed under the Act from $5,000 to $10,000. Defines "address of record". Makes other changes. Effective immediately.