Bill Text: VA HB725 | 2010 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Polysomnographic Technology, Advisory Board on; established.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-21 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0838) [HB725 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2010-HB725-Chaptered.html
|
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia: 1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 4 of Chapter 29 of Title 54.1 sections numbered 54.1-2957.14 and 54.1-2957.15 as follows: §54.1-2957.14. Advisory Board on Polysomnographic Technology; appointment; terms; duties. A. The Advisory Board on Polysomnographic Technology shall assist the Board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter regarding the qualifications, examination, and regulation of licensed polysomnographic technologists. The Advisory Board shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor for four-year terms. Three members shall be at the time of appointment polysomnographic technologists who have practiced for not less than three years, one member shall be a physician who specializes in the practice of sleep medicine and is licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth, and one member shall be appointed by the Governor from the Commonwealth at large. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term. No person shall be eligible to serve on the Advisory Board for more than two consecutive terms. B. The Advisory Board shall, under the authority of the Board, recommend to the Board for its enactment into regulation the criteria for licensure as a polysomnographic technologist and the standards of professional conduct for holders of polysomnographic licenses. The Advisory Board shall also assist in such other matters dealing with polysomnographic technology as the Board may in its discretion direct. §54.1-2957.15. Unlawful to practice as a polysomnographic technologist without a license. A. It shall be unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid license from the Board of Medicine to practice as a polysomnographic technologist or to assume the title "licensed polysomnographic technologist," "polysomnographic technologist," or "licensed sleep tech." B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a health care provider licensed pursuant to this title from engaging in the full scope of practice for which he is licensed, including, but not limited to, respiratory care professionals. C. For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise: "Polysomnographic technology" means the process of analyzing, scoring, attended monitoring, and recording of physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness to assist in the clinical assessment and diagnosis of sleep/wake disorders and other disorders, syndromes, and dysfunctions that either are sleep related, manifest during sleep, or disrupt normal sleep/wake cycles and activities. "Practice of polysomnographic technology" means the professional services practiced in any setting under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician involving the monitoring, testing, and treatment of individuals suffering from any sleep disorder. Other procedures include but are not limited to: a. Application of electrodes and apparatus necessary to monitor and evaluate sleep disturbances, including application of devices that allow a physician to diagnose and treat sleep disorders, which disorders include but shall not be limited to insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, movement disorders, disorders of excessive somnolence, and parasomnias; b. Under the direction of a physician, institution and evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic modalities and procedures including the therapeutic use of oxygen and positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure of non-ventilated patients; c. Initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintenance of patient's airway (which does not include endotracheal intubation); d. Transcription and implementation of physician orders pertaining to the practice of polysomnographic technology; e. Initiation of treatment changes and testing techniques required for the implementation of polysomnographic protocols under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician; and f. Education of patients and their families on the procedures and treatments used during polysomnographic technology or any equipment or procedure used for the treatment of any sleep disorder. |
