45:14G-3 Definitions relative to practice of polysomnography.

3. As used in this act:

"Board" means the State Board of Polysomnography established pursuant to section 4 of this act.

"Director" means the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.

"Direct supervision" means continuous on-site presence of a supervising licensed polysomnographic technologist or supervising licensed physician available to render immediate physical assistance as required.

"Licensed physician" means a physician licensed by the State Board of Medical Examiners.

"Polysomnography" means the allied health specialty involving the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, research, control, education and care of patients with sleep and wake disorders under a qualified medical director and includes, but is not limited to, the process of analysis, monitoring and recording of physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness to assess, diagnose and assist in the treatment and research of disorders, syndromes and dysfunctions that either are sleep related, manifest during sleep or disrupt normal sleep and wake cycles and activities. Polysomnography shall also include the therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen, the use of positive airway pressure including CPAP and bi-level modalities, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, maintenance of nasal and oral airways that do not extend in the trachea, transcription and implementation of the written or verbal orders of a physician pertaining to the practice of polysomnography. Polysomnography shall not include a home-based unattended self-administered diagnostic test, provided that any test results shall only be read and analyzed by a licensed polysomnographic technologist or polysomnographic technician or a licensed physician. Polysomnography services shall be provided only when ordered by a physician who has medical responsibility for the patient.

"Polysomnographic technician" means a person who holds a temporary license issued by the board who practices polysomnography under the supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist or a licensed physician in a State licensed or nationally accredited sleep center or laboratory.

"Polysomnographic technologist" means a person licensed by the board to practice polysomnography under the direction of a licensed physician.

"Polysomnographic trainee" means a person who holds a provisional license issued by the board and who performs polysomnography under the direct supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist or a licensed physician in a State licensed or nationally accredited sleep center or laboratory.

"Qualified medical director" means the medical director of any in-patient or out-patient polysomnography service, department or home care agency. The qualified medical director shall be a licensed physician who has special interest and knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep and wake disorders and shall be qualified by special training and experience in the management of sleep and wake disorders.

"Supervision" means that polysomnography shall not be performed unless a licensed polysomnographic technologist or licensed physician is constantly accessible, either on-site or through voice communication.

L.2005,c.244,s.3.