Senate Bill 194 (SB 194), which establishes licensure for polysomnographic technologists, was recently passed by both legislative chambers was signed into law by Governor Markell on Wednesday, Sept. 12. The law requires that on July 1, 2014, any person who is engaged in the practice of Polysomnography in the state of Delaware must be properly trained and licensed.
Mrs. Mildred Pina, President of the Delaware Sleep Society stated “On behalf of the Delaware Sleep Society we would like to express our thanks to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for assisting us to pass this important legislation.” Nationally, the AASM has invested countless hours and more than $1 million in direct support of efforts aimed at protecting the scope of practice for sleep technology and introducing favorable legislation and regulations.
An applicant applying for a license in polysomnography will be required to submit proof to the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline that he or she has successfully completed an approved educational program as well as passed a national exam approved by the board. Applicants must be CPR certified and undergo a criminal background check. Furthermore, Licensed Polysomnographers must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain their license.
Delaware is the eleventh state plus the District of Columbia to require licensure for sleep technologists, which provides sleep technologists a specific licensure/certification pathway. States include: California, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia. More information on the Delaware Sleep Society can be found at the website www.delawaresleepsociety.org
