8108

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

8108.1 A supervising physician has ultimate responsibility for the medical care and treatment provided to a patient by a licensed polysomnographic technologist or registered polysomnographic technician or trainee to whom the supervising physician has delegated authority to perform health care tasks that require the provision of sleep-related services.

8108.2 A licensed polysomnographic technologist shall practice:

1. (a) Only under the general supervision of a licensed physician; and
2. (b) Only in a hospital sleep laboratory or a stand-alone sleep center.

8108.3 The scope of practice of a licensed polysomnographic technologist includes the following:

1. (a) Analyzing, monitoring, and recording physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness;
2. (b) Scoring and analyzing acquired physiologic data;
3. (c) Maintaining nasal and oral airways that do not extend in the trachea;
4. (d) The therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen;
5. (e) Monitoring and recording physiologic data during sleep, including sleep-related respiratory disturbances;
6. (f) Reading and analyzing test results obtained from home-based, self-administered diagnostic tests;
7. (g) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
8. (h) The use of positive airway pressure, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level modalities, and multiple function modalities;
9. (i) Using data to assist a licensed physician in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and wake disorders;
10. (j) Assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of individuals who suffer from sleep disorders as a result of developmental defects, the aging process, physical injury, disease, or actual or anticipated somatic dysfunction;
11. (k) Observing and monitoring physical signs and symptoms, general behavior, and general physical responses to polysomnographic evaluation and

determining whether initiation, modification, or discontinuation of a treatment regimen is warranted;

(l) Assessing, diagnosing, and assisting in the treatment and research of disorders, syndromes, and dysfunctions that are sleep-related, manifest during sleep, or disrupt normal sleep and wake cycles and activities;

(m) Using evaluation techniques that include limited cardiopulmonary function assessments, the need and effectiveness of therapeutic modalities and procedures, and the assessment and evaluation of the need for extended care; and

(n) Transcribing and implementing written or verbal orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of polysomnography.

8108.4 A registered polysomnographic technician shall practice:

(a) Under the general supervision of a physician who is ultimately responsible for the quality of care provided, or the direct supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist; and

(b) Only in a hospital sleep laboratory or a stand-alone sleep center.

8108.5 The scope of practice of a registered polysomnographic technician is limited to the following:

(a) Analyzing, monitoring, and recording physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness;

(b) Maintaining nasal and oral airways that do not extend in the trachea;

(c) The therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen;

(d) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

(e) The use of positive airway pressure, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level modalities, and multiple function modalities;

(f) Assisting licensed polysomnographic technologists and licensed physicians with reading and analyzing test results obtained from home-based, self-administered diagnostic tests;

(g) Recognizing wake and sleep stages; and

(h) Transcribing and implementing written or verbal orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of polysomnography, if consistent with the level

of education and experience of the registered polysomnographic technician.

8108.6 A registered polysomnographic trainee shall practice:

(a) Under the general supervision of a physician who is ultimately responsible for the quality of care provided, and the direct supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist; and

(b) Only in a hospital setting.

8108.7 The scope of practice of a registered polysomnographic trainee is limited to the following:

(a) Analyzing, monitoring, and recording physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness;

(b) Maintaining nasal and oral airways that do not extend in the trachea;

(c) The therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen;

(d) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and

(e) Implementing written orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of polysomnography, if consistent with the level of education and experience of the registered polysomnographic trainee.

Source: Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 3758, 3766 (April 29, 2011).