Sleep Technologist Licensure John Doggett, MD President New Mexico Sleep Society
Why Licensure? Quality Security Accountability
Quality Education Experience Continuing Education
Security Patient Safety Job Security
Accountability To Lab Director To Patients To State Regulators
Licensure Around the USA 10 States and DC have PSGT licensure 32 States have exemptions under their Respiratory Care Act 8 States have no regulatory language
Other States California Louisiana Maryland New Jersey New Mexico
Other States New York North Carolina Oregon Tennessee Virginia
State Licensure Development the New Mexico Experience Motivated Group National Support Legislative Process
Motivated Group New Mexico Sleep Society Support from Labs
National Support AASM AAST Tech licensure already passed in several other states
Regulatory Support What existing State licensing board will support you? Get their support in advance Have a plan
Write a Draft Bill Copies of bills from other states Proposed bill – AASM support
The BILL Who is covered? Who is NOT covered? Job Description Supervision Educational Requirements Renewal
Educational Requirements A-Step CAAHEP BRPT AASM- Respiratory Care – Sleep Electroneurodiagnostic - Sleep Grandfathering
The Legislative Process Find sympathetic legislators Discuss with YOUR representatives Find a legislative SPONSOR
Lobbyists-the Facilitators Knowledge of the process Knows the legislators Access $$$
At the Legislature Several Volunteers go to the Capitol Meet the Representatives Meet the Senators
Talking Points Short, one-page summary Benefits to the people of the state Dangers if not passed
Lobbying Dedicate time in person Seek out your district’s reps Attend EVERY relevant committee hearing and plan to speak
After the Vote Committee to write regulation (keep it small, one physician, two or three techs, lay person, facilitator) Budget 2 years to implement
How to get a License Application Fees Background Checks Drug Tests? Support from Sleep Lab directors
License Renewal 2-year term Fee Continuing Education