We hope that the following summary may help you understand the Maryland law as it stands today. We encourage you to continue on with your career in Polysomnograpy.

Polysomnographic Technologists: The Licensure Requirement

Current Maryland Law: On or after October 1, 2009, an individual must be licensed by the Board of Physicians before an individual may practice polysomnography in Maryland. In order to qualify for a license, an applicant must:

1. be of good moral character;
2. be at least 18 years old;
3. have passed the BRPT exam;
4. submit proof of BRPT certification; and have graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited polysomnography program.

An individual may qualify for waiver of the educational requirements if enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited program on October 1, 2009 and is practicing polysomnography in the context of that program.

The Board shall waive the education requirement if, on or before September 30, 2009 an individual:

1. Has passed the national certifying exam by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists;
2. is certified by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists as a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist; and
3. Has submitted an application for licensure to the Board.

If an individual has not satisfied the requirements for licensure on or before September 30, 2009, the individual may petition the BOP for an extension. The BOP shall determine whether to grant an extension on a case-by-case basis.

BRPT Eligibility Requirements

To take the RPSGT exam, applicants must satisfy one of the following eligibility criteria:

• Complete a minimum of 18 months of paid clinical experience where duties performed are primarily polysomnography and complete the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s A-Step learning modules; or

• Qualify under Nursing as a(RN, LPN), under Respiratory Care as a (RRT, CRT), under Electroneurodiagnostics as a ( R.EEG T.), as a M.D, or D.O, or under the National EMT-P and complete a minimum of 6 months of paid clinical experience where duties performed are primarily polysomnography and complete the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s A-Step learning modules. or

• Successfully complete a CAAHEP-accredited program in polysomnography which is currently not available in the state of Maryland