La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § XLV-3303
Advisory Committee on Polysomnography or the committee-the committee established in R.S. 37:2864.
Applicant- an individual who has applied to the board for a license or permit to practice polysomnographic technology in the state of Louisiana.
Application- a request directed to and received by the board, in a format approved by the board, for a license or permit to practice polysomnographic technology in the state of Louisiana, together with all information, certificates, documents, and other materials required by the board to be submitted therewith.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine or AASM-the national organization that establishes accreditation standards for sleep centers and sleep labs.
American Board of Sleep Medicine or ABSM-the national organization developed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining standards for sleep disorders medicine, which also offers the sleep technologist registry examination and issues the registered sleep technologist credential.
Board- the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, as established in R.S. 37:1263.
Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists or BRPT-the national credentialing agency for polysomnographic technologists, or its successor organization.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or CAAHEP-the national agency that reviews and accredits educational programs of allied health sciences for the purpose of establishing and maintaining national standards.
Direction and Supervision of a Physician-responsible direction and control by a physician for the proper performance of polysomnographic technology. Such direction and supervision shall not be construed to require the physical presence of the supervising physician provided that the physician is immediately available to furnish assistance and direction, either in person or by telephone or by electronic means, throughout the performance of the polysomnographic procedure or service.
Direct Supervision-supervision by a physician or a qualified health care provider currently licensed by the board, whose scope of practice includes polysomnography, who is present in the area where the procedure or service is being performed and is available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the procedure or service.
Good Moral Character- as applied to an applicant, means that:
a. the applicant has not, prior to or during the pendency of an application to the board, been guilty of any act, omission, condition, or circumstance which would provide legal cause under R.S. 37:2867 or Chapter 63 of these rules for the denial, suspension, or revocation of a license or permit to practice polysomnographic technology;
b. the applicant has not, prior to or in connection with his or her application, made any representation to the board, knowingly or unknowingly, which is in fact false or misleading as to a material fact or omits to state any fact or matter that is material to the application; or
c. the applicant has not made any representation or failed to make a representation or engaged in any act or omission which is false, deceptive, fraudulent, or misleading in achieving or obtaining any of the qualifications for a license or permit required by this Chapter.
License or Licensure-the lawful authority to engage in the practice of polysomnographic technology in this state, as evidenced by a certificate duly issued by and under the official seal of the board.
Louisiana Polysomnographic Practice Act or the Act-R.S. 37:2861-2870 as may be amended.
Permit-the lawful authority to engage in the practice of polysomnographic technology in the state of Louisiana for a designated period of time, as evidenced by a certificate duly issued by and under the official seal of the board. A permit is of determinate, limited duration and implies no right or entitlement to the issuance of a license or to permit renewal except as provided in these rules.
Physician- an individual licensed by the board to practice medicine in this state as evidenced by a current license duly issued by the board.
Polysomnography- the performance of sleep diagnostics in any setting or location under the direction and supervision of a physician who has performed a comprehensive clinical evaluation and on the basis of this evaluation has ordered the sleep diagnostic study.
Polysomnographic Technician or Technician or Permit Technician- an allied health professional who possesses a current permit duly issued by the board under this Chapter to practice polysomnographic technology under the direct supervision of a physician or a qualified allied health professional currently licensed by the board whose scope of practice includes polysomnography.
Polysomnographic Technologist or Technologist- an allied health professional who possesses a current license to practice polysomnographic technology issued by the board to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic polysomnograms under the direction and supervision of a physician.
Polysomnographic Technology- the allied health specialty practiced under the direction and supervision of a physician involving the attended monitoring and testing of individuals suffering from any sleep disorder as classified in the international classification of sleep disorders. Such procedures include but are not limited to the following, conducted only upon the written prescription or verbal order of a physician and under his or her direction and supervision:
a. application of electrodes and apparatus necessary to monitor and evaluate sleep disturbances, including positive airway pressure on spontaneously breathing patients and the application of devices which allow a physician to diagnose sleep disorders, which disorders include sleep breathing disorders, movement disorders, disorders of excessive somnolence, and physiologic impotence;
b. institution of any type of physiologic monitoring applicable to polysomnography;
c. initiation of treatment changes and testing techniques required for the implementation of polysomnographic protocols under the supervision and direction of a physician;
d. set-up of the positive air pressure equipment in the patient's home, instructions including use of the equipment and adjustment of the settings, exclusive of delivery and directions on turning the equipment on and off;
e. education of patients and their families about their sleep disorders and monitoring their progress in treatment of such disorders; and
f. provided, however, that:
i. other than an esophageal pressure monitoring probe, polysomnographic technology does not include the application or insertion of any device or appliance that extends into the trachea or esophagus or that attaches to an artificial airway; and
ii. if invasive ventilation is used during a titration study, a respiratory therapist or a physician shall be physically present.
Supervising Physician-a qualified physician who provides direction and supervision to an individual who is licensed, or direct supervision to one who holds a permit, to practice polysomnographic technology in this state.
La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § XLV-3303