Section 14-5 - C-01. Definitions.
§ 14-5C-01. Definitions.
(a) In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) Board.- "Board" means the State Board of Physicians.
(c) Committee.- "Committee" means the Polysomnography Professional Standards Committee established under § 14-5C-05 of this subtitle.
(d) License.- "License" means a license issued by the Board.
(e) Licensed polysomnographic technologist.- "Licensed polysomnographic technologist" means a polysomnographic technologist who is licensed by the Board under this subtitle to practice polysomnography under the supervision of a licensed physician.
(f) Practice polysomnography.-
(1) "Practice polysomnography" means:
(i) Monitoring and recording physiologic data during sleep, including sleep-related respiratory disturbances under the supervision of a licensed physician; or
(ii) Using data collected under item (i) of this paragraph for the purposes of assisting a licensed physician in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and wake disorders.
(2) "Practice polysomnography" includes:
(i) Providing polysomnography services that are safe, aseptic, preventive, and restorative;
(ii) Diagnosing and treating individuals who suffer from sleep disorders as a result of developmental defects, the aging process, physical injury, disease, or actual or anticipated somatic dysfunction;
(iii) Observing and monitoring physical signs and symptoms, general behavior, and general physical response to polysomnographic evaluation and determining whether initiation, modification, or discontinuation of a treatment regimen is warranted;
(iv) 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
(v) Applying the use of techniques, equipment, and procedures involved in the evaluation of polysomnography, including:
1. Continuous positive airway pressure or bi-level positive airway pressure titration on spontaneously breathing patients;
2. Supplemental low flow oxygen therapy during polysomnogram;
3. Capnography during polysomnogram;
4. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
5. Pulse oximetry;
6. PH probe placement and monitoring;
7. Esophageal pressure;
8. Sleep staging including surface electroencephalography, surface electrooculography, and surface submental electromyography;
9. Surface electromyography of arms and legs;
10. Electrocardiography;
11. Respiratory effort including thoracic and abdominal;
12. Plethysmography blood flow;
13. Snore monitoring;
14. Audio or video monitoring;
15. Implementation of a written or verbal order from a licensed physician that requires the practice of polysomnography;
16. Monitoring the effects a nasal device, used to treat sleep apnea, has on sleep patterns provided that the device does not extend into the trachea; and
17. Monitoring the effects an oral device, used to treat sleep apnea, has on sleep patterns, provided that:
A. The device does not extend into the trachea;
B. A dentist has evaluated the structures of the patient's oral and maxillofacial region for purposes of fitting;
C. A dentist made or directed the making of the oral device; and
D. A dentist directs the use of the oral device.
(g) Student.- "Student" means an individual who, in accordance with section 14-5C-09(c) of this subtitle, is:
(1) Enrolled in an accredited educational program in order to qualify for a license under this title; and
(2) Performing polysomnography services within the accredited program under the supervision of a licensed physician and without compensation.
(h) Registered polysomnographic technologist.- "Registered polysomnographic technologist" means a polysomnographic technologist who is registered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technicians.
(i) Supervision.- "Supervision" means general or direct supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist by a licensed physician.
[2006, ch. 595, § 2; 2009, chs. 261, 262.]