Sec. 1. 32 MRSA c. 8 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 8

REGISTERED CARDIOVASCULAR INVASIVE SPECIALISTS

§431.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Cardiologist.__"Cardiologist" means a physician who has successfully completed an approved cardiology training program, including, but not limited to, a program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, or its equivalent or successor.

2.__Cardiovascular invasive specialist.__"Cardiovascular invasive specialist" means a cardiovascular invasive specialist who is currently registered by a cardiovascular credentialing organization and who, working under the direct supervision of a cardiologist, performs procedures on patients for diagnosis or treatment of congenital or acquired heart disease.

3.__Supervising cardiologist.__"Supervising cardiologist" means a physician currently possessing an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in this State who practices in the medical specialty of cardiology and has successfully completed a residency in cardiology approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or its equivalent or successor.

4.__Supervision.__"Supervision" means medical direction and acceptance of responsibility for the cardiac services rendered by a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist in a manner provided for in law and the adopted protocol of a hospital licensed in the State.__The supervising cardiologist must be in the hospital and in the operative area such that the cardiologist can be immediately available to participate directly in the care of the patient with whom the cardiovascular invasive specialist and the cardiologist are jointly involved.

§432.__Functions and duties

Cardiovascular invasive specialists may perform medical tasks and services according to a hospital's written practice protocols developed for cardiovascular invasive specialists