Education and training requirements for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS).
(1) In order to provide extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS), a respiratory care practitioner shall first complete education and hands-on experience specific to this treatment. The education must meet the guidelines in the 2010 Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Guidelines for Training and Continuing Education of ECMO Specialists and must include:
(a) Didactic sessions of at least 24 hours;
(b) Hands-on proficiencies, also known as water drills, including:
(i) Basic session with a discussion and demonstration of the equipment; and
(ii) Emergency session to address failure of the equipment and corrections;
(c) High-fidelity simulation or animal sessions; and
(d) Preceptor training, also known as bedside training, of at least 16 hours.
(2) An ECMO or ECLS training program which meets the standards set by ELSO meets the training requirements of this section. This includes, but is not limited to, institutes and facilities that employ respiratory care practitioners.
(3) A respiratory care practitioner who provides ECMO or ECLS shall meet any annual training and certification requirements of their institute or facility, which may include, but are not limited to, examinations, evaluations, or continuing education requirements.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
18.89.050 and 2021 c 114. WSR 22-11-013, § 246-928-580, filed 5/9/22, effective 7/1/22.]