8108. SCOPE OF PRACTICE

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: (a) Only under the general supervision of a licensed physician; and (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: Analyzing, monitoring, and recording physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness; Scoring and analyzing acquired physiologic data; Maintaining nasal and oral airways that do not extend in the trachea; The therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen; Monitoring and recording physiologic data during sleep, including sleep-related respiratory disturbances; Reading and analyzing test results obtained from home-based, self-administered diagnostic tests; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; The use of positive airway pressure, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level modalities, and multiple function modalities; Using data to assist a licensed physician in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and wake disorders; 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; 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; 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; 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 Transcribing and implementing written or verbal orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of polysomnography. 8108.4 A registered polysomnographic technician shall practice: 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 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: Analyzing, monitoring, and recording physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness; Maintaining nasal and oral airways that do not extend in the trachea; The therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; The use of positive airway pressure, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level modalities, and multiple function modalities; Assisting licensed polysomnographic technologists and licensed physicians with reading and analyzing test results obtained from home-based, self-administered diagnostic tests; Recognizing wake and sleep stages; and 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).