Chapter 7.8Polysomnographic Technologists

Section § 3575

Explanation

This law defines and regulates the field of polysomnography, which involves diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. It establishes the qualifications needed to become a certified polysomnographic technologist, including education and exam requirements, or five years of acceptable experience. Applicants must undergo a criminal background check. Certified individuals can only work under the supervision of a licensed physician. Regulations define how polysomnographic technicians and trainees can be employed and supervised. This section does not apply to other health professionals working within their licensed scope, nor does it permit treating conditions outside of sleep-related issues.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(a) For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(a)(1) “Board” means the Medical Board of California.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(a)(2) “Polysomnography” means the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, control, education, and care of patients with sleep and wake disorders. Polysomnography shall include, but not be limited to, the process of analysis, monitoring, and recording of physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness to assist in the treatment of disorders, syndromes, and dysfunctions that are sleep-related, manifest during sleep, or disrupt normal sleep activities. Polysomnography shall also include, but not be limited to, the therapeutic and diagnostic use of oxygen, the use of positive airway pressure including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel modalities, adaptive servo-ventilation, and maintenance of nasal and oral airways that do not extend into the trachea.
(3)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(a)(3) “Supervision” means that the supervising physician and surgeon shall remain available, either in person or through telephonic or electronic means, at the time that the polysomnographic services are provided.
(b)Copy CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(b)
(1)Copy CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(b)(1) Within one year after the effective date of this chapter, the board shall promulgate regulations relative to the qualifications for the registration of individuals as certified polysomnographic technologists, polysomnographic technicians, and polysomnographic trainees. The qualifications for a certified polysomnographic technologist shall include all of the following:
(A)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(b)(1)(A) The applicant shall have valid, current credentials as a polysomnographic technologist issued by a national accrediting agency approved by the board.
(B)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(b)(1)(B) The applicant shall have graduated from a polysomnographic educational program that has been approved by the board.
(C)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(b)(1)(C) The applicant shall have passed a national certifying examination that has been approved by the board.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(b)(2) An applicant for registration as a certified polysomnographic technologist may satisfy the qualifications described in paragraph (1) by submitting proof to the board that they have been practicing polysomnography for at least five years in a manner that is acceptable to the board. However, beginning three years after the effective date of this chapter, all individuals seeking to obtain certification as a polysomnographic technologist shall have passed a national certifying examination that has been approved by the board.
(c)Copy CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(c)
(1)Copy CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(c)(1) In accordance with Section 2042, any person seeking registration from the board as a certified polysomnographic technologist, a polysomnographic technician, or a polysomnographic trainee shall be subject to a state- and federal-level criminal offender record information search conducted through the Department of Justice as specified in paragraph (2).
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(c)(2) The board shall submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all applicants for registration as a certified polysomnographic technologist, a polysomnographic technician, or a polysomnographic trainee, as defined by this section, to determine whether the applicant has a criminal conviction record in this state or in any other jurisdiction, including foreign countries, pursuant to Section 2042. The Department of Justice shall provide a state- and federal-level response pursuant to subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code for the board to determine whether the applicant is subject to denial of licensure under the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).
(d)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(d) An individual may use the title “certified polysomnographic technologist” and may engage in the practice of polysomnography only under the following circumstances:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(d)(1) The individual is registered with the board and has successfully undergone a state- and federal-level criminal offender record information search pursuant to subdivision (c).
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(d)(2) The individual works under the supervision and direction of a licensed physician and surgeon.
(3)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(d)(3) The individual meets the requirements of this chapter.
(e)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(e) Within one year after the effective date of this chapter, the board shall adopt regulations that establish the means and circumstances in which a licensed physician and surgeon may employ polysomnographic technicians and polysomnographic trainees. The board may also adopt regulations specifying the scope of services that may be provided by a polysomnographic technician or polysomnographic trainee. Any regulation adopted pursuant to this section may specify the level of supervision that polysomnographic technicians and trainees are required to have when working under the supervision of a certified polysomnographic technologist or licensed health care professional.
(f)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(f) This section shall not apply to California licensed allied health professionals, including, but not limited to, respiratory care practitioners, working within the scope of practice of their license.
(g)CA Business and Professions Code § 3575(g) Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to authorize a polysomnographic technologist, technician, or trainee to treat, manage, control, educate, or care for patients other than those with sleep disorders or to provide diagnostic testing for patients other than those with suspected sleep disorders.
polysomnography Medical Board of California sleep disorders certified polysomnographic technologist national certifying examination criminal background check licensed physician supervision scope of practice education program fingerprint images Department of Justice allied health professionals respiratory care practitioners diagnostic testing therapeutic use of oxygen
(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 113, Sec. 14. (SB 160) Effective September 17, 2025.)

Section § 3575.5

Explanation

If you want to register as a polysomnographic technologist, technician, or trainee in California, you must fill out an application form provided by the board, either online or on paper. You must also legally verify that all the information you provide on the form and any supporting documents is true, knowing that lying could lead to legal penalties.

Each application for registration as a polysomnographic technologist, technician, or trainee shall be made upon an online electronic form, or other form, provided by the board, and each application form shall contain a legal verification by the applicant certifying under penalty of perjury that the information provided by the applicant is true and correct and that any information in supporting documents provided by the applicant is true and correct.
polysomnographic technologist registration application form legal verification penalty of perjury true and correct information online form supporting documents technician trainee California board
(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 649, Sec. 45. (SB 806) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Section § 3576

Explanation

If you're registered under this chapter, your registration can be denied, suspended, or revoked for reasons like incompetence, gross negligence, dishonest acts, or committing crimes. Violating rules related to this chapter can also lead to discipline. Any disciplinary proceedings follow specific government procedures, and the board has full authority to enforce them.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576(a) A registration under this chapter may be denied, suspended, revoked, placed on probation, or otherwise subjected to discipline for any of the following by the holder:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576(a)(1) Incompetence, gross negligence, or repeated similar negligent acts performed by the registrant.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576(a)(2) An act of dishonesty or fraud.
(3)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576(a)(3) Committing any act or being convicted of a crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure or registration under Section 480.
(4)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576(a)(4) Violating or attempting to violate this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576(b) Proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all powers granted therein.
registration denial incompetence gross negligence dishonesty fraud crime conviction grounds for denial licensure denial disciplinary action Section 480 government proceedings board authority violation of regulations discipline conditions registration discipline
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 303, Sec. 12. (AB 2745) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Section § 3576.1

Explanation

If someone has had their registration revoked, suspended, or surrendered while being investigated or when charges were pending, they can ask for it back or for a change in penalty. They must wait a certain amount of time before doing so—usually three years for conduct issues, but possibly two if the board allows. If the issue was illness-related or a short probation, they might only need to wait one year. The request must include recommendations from registered peers and may be reviewed by a panel or judge. All past behavior and rehabilitation efforts will be considered. Petitions can't be made if the person is serving a criminal sentence or has pending accusations. Also, any requests within two years of a previous decision can be denied without a hearing.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(a) A person whose registration has been voluntarily surrendered while under investigation or while charges are pending or whose registration has been revoked or suspended or placed on probation, may petition the board for reinstatement or modification of penalty, including modification or termination of probation.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(b) The person may file the petition after a period of not less than the following minimum periods have elapsed from the effective date of the surrender of the registration or the decision ordering that disciplinary action:
(1)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(b)(1) At least three years for reinstatement of a registration surrendered or revoked for unprofessional conduct, except that the board may, for good cause shown, specify in a revocation order that a petition for reinstatement may be filed after two years.
(2)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(b)(2) At least two years for early termination of probation of three years or more.
(3)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(b)(3) At least one year for modification of a condition, or reinstatement of a registration surrendered or revoked for mental or physical illness, or termination of probation of less than three years.
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(c) The petition shall state any facts as may be required by the board. The petition shall be accompanied by at least two verified recommendations from polysomnographic technologists registered in any state who have personal knowledge of the activities of the petitioner since the disciplinary penalty was imposed.
(d)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(d) The petition may be heard by a panel of the board. The board may assign the petition to an administrative law judge designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code. After a hearing on the petition, the administrative law judge shall provide a proposed decision to the board, which shall be acted upon in accordance with Section 2335.
(e)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(e) The panel of the board or the administrative law judge hearing the petition may consider all activities of the petitioner since the disciplinary action was taken, the offense for which the petitioner was disciplined, the petitioner’s activities during the time the registration was in good standing, and the petitioner’s rehabilitative efforts, general reputation for truth, and professional ability. The hearing may be continued from time to time as the administrative law judge designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code finds necessary.
(f)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(f) The administrative law judge designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code reinstating a registration or modifying a penalty may recommend the imposition of any terms and conditions deemed necessary.
(g)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.1(g) No petition shall be considered while the petitioner is under sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the petitioner is on court-imposed probation or parole. No petition shall be considered while there is an accusation or petition to revoke probation pending against the person. The board may deny without a hearing or argument any petition filed pursuant to this section within a period of two years from the effective date of the prior decision following a hearing under this section.
reinstatement of registration voluntary surrender modification of penalty unprofessional conduct revocation order early termination of probation mental or physical illness verified recommendations polysomnographic technologists administrative law judge rehabilitative efforts criminal offense sentence pending accusation deny petition petition hearing panel
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 303, Sec. 13. (AB 2745) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Section § 3576.2

Explanation

This law says that if someone is required to register as a sex offender due to actions taken on or after January 1, 2017, the board must revoke that person's registration, unless specific exceptions apply. One exception is if the person is only registered because of a minor misdemeanor indecent exposure conviction. Another exception is if the person has been officially relieved of their sex offender registration requirement. If a person's registration is revoked, the process will follow certain governmental procedures.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.2(a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), the board shall revoke the registration of any person who has been required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal for conduct that occurred on or after January 1, 2017.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.2(b) This section shall not apply to a person who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code solely because of a misdemeanor conviction under Section 314 of the Penal Code.
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.2(c) This section shall not apply to a person who has been relieved under Section 290.5 of the Penal Code of his or her duty to register as a sex offender, or whose duty to register has otherwise been formally terminated under California law.
(d)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.2(d) A proceeding to revoke a registration pursuant to this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
registration revocation sex offender Section 290 misdemeanor indecent exposure Section 314 Section 290.5 duty to register conduct on or after January 2017 formal termination Chapter 5 procedures governmental process exceptions to revocation
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 303, Sec. 14. (AB 2745) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Section § 3576.3

Explanation

This law explains the circumstances under which the board can suspend or revoke the registration of polysomnographic professionals for unprofessional conduct. It includes issues related to the dangerous or harmful use of controlled substances, drugs, or alcohol, especially if it affects the practitioner's ability to work safely. Criminal convictions related to these substances, even if resolved through certain legal pleas, count as unprofessional conduct. The board can impose penalties or deny registration if these conditions are met, regardless of later legal developments that might change the formal status of such convictions.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.3(a) The board may suspend or revoke the registration of a polysomnographic technologist, polysomnographic technician, or polysomnographic trainee for unprofessional conduct as described in this section.
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.3(b) The use of any controlled substance or the use of any of the dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022, or of alcoholic beverages, to the extent, or in such a manner as to be dangerous or injurious to the registrant, or to any other person or to the public, or to the extent that this use impairs the ability of the registrant to practice safely or more than one misdemeanor or any felony conviction involving the use, consumption, or self-administration of any of the substances referred to in this section, or any combination thereof, constitutes unprofessional conduct. The record of the conviction is conclusive evidence of this unprofessional conduct.
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 3576.3(c) A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this section. The board may order discipline of the registrant in accordance with Section 2227 or may order the denial of the registration when the time for appeal has elapsed or the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal or when an order granting probation is made suspending imposition of sentence, irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code allowing this person to withdraw his or her plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the accusation, complaint, information, or indictment.
polysomnographic technologist unprofessional conduct controlled substance abuse dangerous drugs use alcohol impairment practice safely misdemeanor convictions felony convictions plea of nolo contendere discipline of registrant Section 2227 conviction record substance-related offenses denial of registration probation and appeal
(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 303, Sec. 15. (AB 2745) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Section § 3577

Explanation

If you want to register under this section, you will need to pay a $120 fee to the Medical Board's fund. Once you are registered, you'll pay another $120 fee. The registration is valid for two years. After two years, it costs $220 to renew your registration. If you are on probation, you'll pay extra for monitoring based on actual costs. All fees collected go towards managing these registrations.

(a)CA Business and Professions Code § 3577(a) Each person who applies for registration under this chapter shall pay into the Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California a fee to be fixed by the board at a sum of one hundred twenty dollars ($120).
(b)CA Business and Professions Code § 3577(b) Each person to whom registration is granted under this chapter shall pay into the Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California a fee to be fixed by the board at a sum of one hundred twenty dollars ($120).
(c)CA Business and Professions Code § 3577(c) The registration shall expire after two years. The registration may be renewed biennially at a fee which shall be paid into the Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California. For registrations that expire on or after January 1, 2022, the fee amount shall be two hundred twenty dollars ($220).
(d)CA Business and Professions Code § 3577(d) The fee for monitoring a registrant on probation shall be the cost of monitoring, as fixed by the board.
(e)CA Business and Professions Code § 3577(e) The money in the Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California that is collected pursuant to this section shall be used for the administration of this chapter.
registration fee medical board contingent fund probation monitoring biennial renewal fee adjustment administration funds California medical field two-year expiration renewal fee initial registration payment probation cost fixed fee Medical Board of California registration administration
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 649, Sec. 46. (SB 806) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Section § 3578

Explanation

This law says that clinics or health facilities with the proper license can hire certified sleep technologists, who are experts in sleep studies.

Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a clinic or health facility licensed pursuant to Division 2 (commencing with Section 1200) of the Health and Safety Code from employing a certified polysomnographic technologist.
clinic employment health facility certified polysomnographic technologist Division 2 Health and Safety Code licensed facilities sleep technologist polysomnography employment permission health care staffing licensed clinic sleep studies
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 635, Sec. 1. (SB 132) Effective October 23, 2009.)

Section § 3579

Explanation

This law states that the regulations in this chapter do not cover diagnostic electroencephalograms (EEGs) if they follow the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society's guidelines.

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to diagnostic electroencephalograms conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society.
diagnostic electroencephalograms EEG guidelines American Clinical Neurophysiology Society diagnostic tests exemption neurophysiology procedures EEG regulations clinical guidelines compliance medical diagnostics brain wave tests healthcare exemption neurological assessments electroencephalography medical professionals testing procedures healthcare standards
(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 635, Sec. 1. (SB 132) Effective October 23, 2009.)