Temporary Moratorium Announced for Accreditation Standard Affecting Respiratory Therapists

As part of its ongoing discussions with the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) Board of Directors has decided to temporarily suspend standard B-9 within the AASM Standards for Accreditation, which states:

Commencing July 1, 2009, all technologists and technicians conducting sleep testing who are not certified by the BRPT or other accepted certification body: a. must be enrolled in or have completed the A-STEP Online Self Study Modules, b. or must be enrolled in or have completed a CAAHEP accredited sleep technology training program, or electroneurodiagnostic (END) program, or respiratory therapy add-on track for sleep technology.

As a result, the AASM Standards for Accreditation, effective immediately, will not require enrollment in or completion of A-STEP Online Self Study Modules and/or a CAAHEP-accredited sleep technology training program for respiratory therapists. This temporary policy is in place until further notice.

Download a copy of the AASM Standards for Accreditation.