Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 5C - Polysomnographic Technologists
Section 14-5C-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
    (b)    “Board” means the State Board of Physicians.
    (c)    “Committee” means the Polysomnography Professional Standards Committee established under § 14–5C–05 of this subtitle.
    (d)    “License” means a license issued by the Board.
    (e)    “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)    (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)    “Registered polysomnographic technologist” means a polysomnographic technologist who is registered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technicians.
    (h)    “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.
    (i)    “Supervision” means general or direct supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist by a licensed physician.