Model Bill

The model bill for the state licensure of the neurodiagnostic practice was developed by the Governmental Advocacy Committee and approved by the ASET Board of Trustees in October, 2013. Amendments to the bill were approved by the ASET Board of Trustees in November, 2016.  The legislation would establish professional licensure for neurodiagnostic technologists.This model provides the basic structure and provisions for what should be included in Neurodiagnostic licensure legislation at the state level. It is intended to be modified to meet the specific needs of state and grassroots organizations.

Qualifications/Background:

The qualifications and background necessary to obtain a neurodiagnostic technologist license varies depending upon when an individual seeks to become licensed.  (Pgs. 19-21, Lines 481-516)

1)       Individuals who are actively engaged in any of the modalities subject to licensure at the time of adoption of the bill i.e., AT, EEG, EP, NCS, IONM and LTM are eligible for a license(s). Everyone must pay a license fee. The license is valid for two years and the maximum fee for a license or multiple licenses is $250. All licensed technologists are required to obtain 15 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

a.       Individuals that hold a credential(s) are eligible for a license in each one of the modalities for which they hold a credential. In order to renew their license(s) they must maintain their credential(s) and meet the (CEU) requirement.

b.       Individuals that do not have a credential(s) at the time of enactment are eligible for licensure. A person, who immediately prior to the effective date of act, was actively engaged in any of the modalities subject to licensure under this law is qualified for a license. (Qualifications for “actively engaged” are to be defined in the rules and regulations after the bill becomes law.)

c.      Three years after the enactment of a licensure bill, individuals entering the field have three pathways to obtaining a license. Each pathway would require them to pay the fee discussed above and to obtain 15 hours of continuing education credit every two years. Individuals must meet one of the following criteria in order to obtain a license:

i.        Have obtained an Associates or higher degree and be board eligible. A 12-month temporary license will be issued until such time the applicant passes their board exam(s). A one-time 12-month extension is available at the Board’s discretion.

ii.       Completion of a formal Neurodiagnostic training program at an accredited Neurodiagnostic educational school and having earned a degree or certificate. A 12-month temporary license will be issued until such time the applicant passes their board exam(s). A one-time 12-month extension is available at the Board’s discretion.

iii.       Any person maintaining a current credential(s) or registry shall qualify for a license.

Modality Specific Licenses:

The Board will grant modality specific licenses to technologists that qualify.  Individuals are eligible to receive more than one license based upon their qualifications. Technologists who hold a credential from AAET (R.NCS.T.), ABEM (CNCT) and/or ABRET (CAP, CLTM, CNIM, R. EEG T., R. EP T.) are eligible for the license that corresponds with their credential(s). The following licenses are included in the bill: Licensed Neurodiagnostic Technologist-AT, Licensed Neurodiagnostic Technologist-EEG, Licensed Neurodiagnostic Technologist-EP, Licensed Neurodiagnostic Technologist-IONM, Licensed Neurodiagnostic Technologist-LTM and Licensed Neurodiagnostic Technologist-NCS.  (Pg 8, Lines 185-206)

Classifications:

The bill creates three separate classifications of neurodiagnostic technologists.

1. Neurodiagnostic Technologist: A person licensed to practice neurodiagnostic tests, studies or procedures under the direct or general supervision of a licensed physician.  (Pg. 10, Lines 236-239)
2. Neurodiagnostic Trainee: A person, who holds a license in one or more Neurodiagnostic modalities, is in training seeking to obtain a license in another modality, is under the direct supervision of an Neurodiagnostic tech who is licensed in that modality or a licensed physician.  (Pgs. 10, Lines 246-252)
3. Neurodiagnostic Student: A person who is enrolled in an educational program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, and who may provide neurodiagnostic services under the direct supervision of a licensed Neurodiagnostic technologist or a licensed physician as a part of the person’s educational program.  (Pg. 10, Lines 253-259)

Neurodiagnostic Technologists Board:

The bill creates a Neurodiagnostic Technologists Board. The Board is responsible for establishing the qualifications for licensure of neurodiagnostic technologists and promulgating rules and regulations for licensure. (Pg. 11-15, lines 275-362)

Beyond Scope of Practice Clause:

A licensee is precluded from engaging in any practice beyond the scope of their license. However a Neurodiagnostic Trainee category provides institutions flexibility in moving/advancing a technologist licensed in one modality into another area of neurodiagnostics.  (Pg. 21, Lines 533-535)