Section 120. Supervisory responsibilities

A. A polysomnographic technologist shall be responsible for supervision of unlicensed polysomnographic personnel who work under his direction and shall be ultimately responsible and accountable for patient care and outcomes under his clinical supervision.

B. Delegation to unlicensed polysomnographic personnel shall:

1. Not include delegation of the discretionary aspects of the initial assessment, evaluation, or development of a treatment plan for a patient nor shall it include any task requiring a clinical decision or the knowledge, skills, and judgment of a licensed polysomnographic technologist.

2. Only be made if, in the judgment of the polysomnographic technologist, the task or procedures do not require the exercise of professional judgment, can be properly and safely performed by appropriately trained unlicensed personnel, and the delegation does not jeopardize the health or safety of the patient.

3. Be communicated on a patient-specific basis with clear, specific instructions for performance of activities, potential complications, and expected results.

C. The frequency, methods, and content of supervision are dependent on the complexity of patient needs, number and diversity of patients, demonstrated competency and experience of the unlicensed personnel, and the type and requirements of the practice setting.

D. The polysomnographic technologist providing clinical supervision shall routinely meet with any unlicensed personnel to review and evaluate patient care and treatment.

E. The polysomnographic technologist shall review notes on patient care entered by unlicensed personnel prior to reporting study results to the supervising physician and shall, by some method, document in a patient record that such a review has occurred.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 31, Issue 07, eff. December 31, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2957.15 of the Code of Virginia.