Dear Member:

As you know, the AASM Board of Directors decided last month to require that sleep studies performed in AASM-accredited sleep centers and laboratories be scored according to the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events by January 2008.

It has subsequently been brought to our attention that certain practical considerations may make it difficult for some centers and laboratories to achieve the transition by this date. After consulting with polysomnograph industry representatives, we have reconsidered the timeline and decided on the following modified requirements:

1. While we encourage all members to transition as soon as possible to scoring sleep studies according to the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events , this will be required by AASM accredited sleep centers and laboratories by July 1st, 2008. This will include the use of all recommended respiratory sensors and all EEG, EOG and EMG derivations.

2. All new polysomnograph equipment purchased on or after July 1st 2008 must fulfill the technical and digital specifications listed in Section III of the AASM manual. With the help of the AASM Manual Steering Committee, the Board intends to post over the next few months a list of replies to frequently asked questions designed to clarify aspects of the scoring rules. We hope this will be helpful.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Silber, MBChB
President