Current Legislation
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Sleep Technology

The AASM is very aware of current negotiations in many states regarding Sleep Technology Certification and Respiratory Certification. The first item is a letter from the AASM outlining the issue and the second is a slide collection from a presentation at APSS in Seattle in June. Bruce Blehart directs the government relations and health policy activities for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and is very knowledgeable about the issues. One of the reasons the AASM encouraged Sleep Societies in every state was to provide an advocacy group for sleep professionals. Please download and read the letter and Mr. Blehart's presentation. We encourage you to share comments by emailing us at info@masleepsociety.org. We would like to put this on the agenda for the fall Sleep Society Meeting.

• AASM Letter
  
  
• APSS June 2009 Presentation

Drowsy Driving

Massachusetts Senate Bill 845
Establishes Advisory Council on Physician Work Hours; Establishes limits on working hours for resident-physicians; Advisory Committee would also develop penalties if standards are violated. View memorandium.

Massachusetts Senate Bill 877
Requires health care facilities to provide transportation to residents, medical students and other health care providers who have worked for more than 16 consecutive hours. View memorandium.

Massachusetts Senate Bill 1436
Establishes Sleep Awareness Week and Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. View memorandium.

Massachusetts Senate Bill 1939
“An Act Relative To Drowsy Driving” The bill establishes numerous provisions to prevent drowsy driving. View memorandium.