As reported in a previous Weekly Update, the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB) has drafted a legislative proposal that requires sleep technologists to obtain a license to practice certain sleep services. The proposal has not yet been introduced as a bill into the California State Assembly and has not yet been sponsored by a California legislator – a requirement for a bill to be introduced in California.

However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) fully expects the RCB to secure a sponsor and introduce the proposal as a bill when the California State Assembly reconvenes on January 7, 2008.

The AASM and American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) are closely monitoring the situation in California. The AASM will update members with a detailed assessment in the near future.

Contact the AASM’s Senior Health Policy and Government Affairs Analyst Ted Thurn at (708) 492-0930 or tthurn@aasm.org with questions and concerns.