Section 17-8108. 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.

 

8108.2A 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.

 

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

 

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

 

(b) Scoring and analyzing acquired physiologic data;

 

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

 

(d) The therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen;

 

(e) Monitoring and recording physiologic data during sleep, including sleep-related respiratory disturbances;

 

(f) Reading and analyzing test results obtained from home-based, self-administered diagnostic tests;

 

(g) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

 

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

 

(i) Using data to assist a licensed physician in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and wake disorders;

 

(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;

 

(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.

 

8108.4A 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. 

 

8108.5The 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. 

 

authority

The Director of the Department of Health, pursuant to the authority set forth in section 302(14) of the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985, effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; D.C. Official Code § 3-1203.02(14)), and Mayor’s Order 98-140, dated August 20, 1998.

source

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