Section 14-5 - C-01. Definitions. - Maryland Statutes

§ 14-5C-01. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 

(b)  Board.- "Board" means the State Board of Physicians. 

(c)  Committee.- "Committee" means the Polysomnography Professional Standards Committee established under § 14-5C-05 of this subtitle. 

(d)  License.- "License" means a license issued by the Board. 

(e)  Licensed polysomnographic technologist.- "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)  Practice polysomnography.-  

(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)  Student.- "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. 

(h)  Registered polysomnographic technologist.- "Registered polysomnographic technologist" means a polysomnographic technologist who is registered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technicians. 

(i)  Supervision.- "Supervision" means general or direct supervision of a licensed polysomnographic technologist by a licensed physician. 
 

[2006, ch. 595, § 2; 2009, chs. 261, 262.]