Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be a "sleep specialist" in order to join the VASM?
A: No. Individuals with special training in the healthcare field, such as sleep center managers and respiratory therapists, or those who are interested in sleep medicine can join as affiliate members.
Q: Why should I join the VASM?
A: The Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine (VASM) was established to serve as the voice of sleep medicine professionals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition the goals of the VASM are to educate health professionals of the Commonwealth in the discipline of sleep medicine and to improve the quality of life and health of Virginians through educational and advocacy efforts. We encourage all individuals involved in sleep medicine to join the VASM so that we can truly represent sleep medicine throughout Virginia and so that we can provide education for sleep professionals as well as the community at large.
Q: Are there educational opportunities through the VASM?
A: The VASM will hold an annual educational meeting along with its annual general meeting. Attendees will be able to earn CME's and CEU's at this meeting. As our organization grows we hope to host other educational activities.
Q: How can I find an Accredited Sleep Center in Virginia?
A: Click here to find a listing of Accredited Sleep Centers in the Commonwealth.
Q: What is a Sleep Study?
A: A polysomnogram (or PSG) is a safe, painless test, which can help determine the diagnosis of a sleep problem. During the test patients are monitored by sleep technologists while they sleep in comfortable, private bedrooms. In order to do this, electrodes are placed on the patient’s head, face and body. These leads simply record the electrical activity of their brain and muscles. Other sensors attached to the patient record breathing, and oxygen levels. During the study the information about their sleep is recorded on a computer while the patient is observed remotely with a camera.
Q: Is there licensure for polysomnographers?
On April 21, 2010 Governor Bob McDonnell signed House Bill 725 (SB 725) into law, establishing licensure for sleep technologists. The legislation defines polysomnographic technology as: “Polysomnographic technology” means the process of analyzing, scoring, attended monitoring, and recording of physiologic data during sleep and wakefulness to assist in the clinical assessment and diagnosis of sleep/wake disorders and other disorders, syndromes, and dysfunctions that either are sleep related, manifest during sleep, or disrupt normal sleep/wake cycles and activities."
Virginia is now the ninth jurisdiction to provide sleep technologists a specific licensing/certification pathway. Other jurisdictions that have licensure/certification include: California, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee and Washington D.C.
Click here to read the full bill.