NJAST's 2nd Educational symposium held October 29, 2007 at Morristown Memorial Hospital was well attended and included an excellent agenda, exceptional speakers, and vendor support!  Thanks to all who participated.

YOU MUST BE AN NJAST MEMBER TO ATTEND!

NJAST FALL SYMPOSIUM

EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

for NJAST MEMBERS

AAST & AARC CEC’s

        Monday, October 29, 2007 

    8 am – 5 pm

Malcolm Forbes Amphitheater

Morristown Memorial Hospital
100 Madison Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07962

Agenda

8:00-8:30          Registration

8:30-8:45          Welcome

8:45-9:45          Secrets of Pediatric Sleep

                        April N. Wazeka M.D.

9:45-10:45        Identification of Complex Apnea and Implementation            

                        of Auto SV Titration Protocol

                        Bill Moller, RPSGT

10:45-11:15       Break/vendors

11:15-12:15       Scoring Rules

                         Rochelle Zozula, PH.D.,DABSM

12:15-1:30        Lunch/vendors

1:30-2:30          Parasomnias-The Scary Side of Sleep

                        Stephen Tarnoczy BS, RRT, RPSGT

2:30-3:00          Break/Vendors

3:00-3:30          ECG Arrhythmia Review

                        Claire G. Boccia-Liang,M.D.

3:30-4:00          Sleep Technology- Your Job or Your Profession?

                        Neil S. Friedman, BBA,RN,RPSGT

4:00-5:00          Maximizing Outcomes in the Treatment of Sleep Apnea

                        Marc L Benton, MD, FCCP, FAASM,DABSM

NJAST's first Educational Symposium held Friday, April 20th, 2007 at Capital Health System's Hamilton campus was a rousing success with over 80 participants.

REMINDER - NJSS Meeting is scheduled November 18, 2006 in Piscataway!

Click here for information, brochure and a registration form!!

NJAST will hold it's annual meeting during lunch in conjunction with this NJSS meeting.  We will provide an update on technologist licensing in NJ at this meeting.

SAVE THE DATE!!

Friday, April 20, 2007

NJAST Educational Symposium

Capital Health System in Hamilton

1445 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road

Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

CEU’s for Sleep Technologists

8:15-8:45           Registration

8:45-9:00           Welcome

9:00-10:00         Fisher & Paykel Humidification Workshop

10:00-11:00       R. Zozularo Medications and Effects on Sleep

11:00-12:00       ResMed Overlap Syndrome Workshop

12:00-!:00          Lunch

1:00-2:00           E. Mazza Cardiovascular Morbidity and OSA

2:00-4:00           Respironics First Impression Workshop

Directions:

From the North (New Brunswick and Princeton):

Follow Route 1 South to Quakerbridge Rd. Take the Quakerbridge Rd. Exit East. Go through approximately seven lights before you come to Route 33. Go through the intersection of Route 33 (Applebee's Restaurant will be on left corner). Street name changes to Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd. Go through three lights. CHS in Hamilton is on the left, immediately following third light.

From South Jersey:

Take Route 295 North to Exit 61 (Arena Drive). At the third light, make a left onto Whitehorse Avenue. Whitehorse Avenue changes to Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. Proceed on road for three lights. CHS in Hamilton is located on the right after the fourth light (#1445).

From the East (Freehold/Jackson):

Take Route 195 West towards Trenton. Exit at Hamilton Square. At the traffic light, make a left onto Kuser Rd. Follow Kuser Rd. for approximately two miles. The K-Mart Shopping Center will be on your left. Make a right onto Whitehorse-Mercerville Road. Proceed on Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd. through one more traffic light. CHS in Hamilton is on the right.

From the West (Ewing/Trenton):

Follow Olden Ave. East to Whitehorse Ave. Make a left onto Whitehorse Ave. Proceed on Whitehorse Ave. to Kuser Rd. (K-Mart Shopping Center). Go through the intersection of Whitehorse Ave. and Kuser Rd. The name of the road will change to Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd. Proceed on Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd. through one more traffic light. CHS in Hamilton is on the right.

From Pennsylvania (Route 95):

Take Route 95 North to Route 295 South to Route 33 East (Mercerville Exit). Follow to traffic light. Make a left onto Nottingham Way. You will need to be in right lane on Nottingham Way Make a right onto Quakerbridge Rd. Go through traffic light at Route 33 (Applebee's Restaurant will be on left corner). Street name changes to Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd. Go through three lights. CHS in Hamilton is on the left, immediately following third light.

From Pennsylvania (Route 1):

Follow Route 1 North into New Jersey. Follow Route 1 North to Whitehead Rd. East. Make a right at the end of the ramp. Go to the traffic light and make a left onto Sloan Ave. At the fourth traffic light, make a right onto Quakerbridge Rd. Proceed straight passing through a 5-points intersection to Route 33 (Applebee's Restaurant will be on left corner). Street name changes to Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd. Go through three lights. CHS in Hamilton is on the left, immediately following third light.

                              □  $  60.00        PSG Technologist, Respiratory Therapist, Medical Residents/Fellow, & Other Attendees

                              □  $  50.00        NJ Association of Sleep Technologists Member

1-8-05    RESCHEDULED!  RESCHEDULED!

Please note - this meeting has been rescheduled from Friday, January 13^th to Wednesday January 18^th!

An NJAST Board Meeting and a celebration of enactment of the Polysomnography Practice Act is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18^th at 2:00 pm at Katmandu on Rt. 29 in Trenton, NJ.

All members are welcome to attend! 

Next Meeting 1-13-05   

RESCHEDULED!  RESCHEDULED!

An NJAST Board Meeting and a celebration of enactment of the Polysomnography Practice Act is scheduled for Friday, January 13th at 1:00 p.m. at Katmandu on Rt. 29 in Trenton, NJ.

All members are welcome to attend! 

9-5-05

NJAST MEETING SCHEDULED!!!!!!!!!!!!!  SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

An NJAST member meeting will be held on Saturday, September 17th at Hackensack University Medical Center at 12 noon.  This is a very important meeting - please plan to attend!!  All New Jersey sleep technicians and technologists are welcome!  Click here for directions.

New Jersey Association of Sleep Technologists

General Member Meeting

November 13, 2004

Board Members in Attendance

Rita Brooks                               Sally Gallagher                          Rochelle Zozula            

Don Fahy                                  Regina Ledford                                      

Kathy Feeney                            Mitch Rubenstein

General Member Attendance             

Attendance not taken                

Meeting called to order

By President, Rita Brooks, at 4:05pm

Minutes

Review and approval of minutes not done

Old Business

President, Rita Brooks, spoke about the following issues:

Legislative Update

• Legislative issues have been a current topic for polysomnographic technologists in most states for the past several years. 

• Kathy Feeney and I participated in a Legislative Forum at the APSS meeting in June, discussing NJ’s legislative efforts and national issues of polysomnographic regulation.

• Many states are granting exemption from respiratory practice acts.  Vermont was granted exemption in June.

• Dr. Dement approached me after the forum to discuss NJAST’s legislative efforts.  He expressed the importance of three factors:

  • Formal organization

  • Increasing membership

  • And adding physician members and/or an alliance with a physician organization

• In December 2003 legislation to exempt New Jersey polysomnographic technologists was approved by the Health & Human Services committee and passed to the senate floor.

• In January, that exemption legislation was tabled on the order of the Attorney General. 

• At that time representatives from the Attorney General’s office and the Division of Consumer Affairs suggested that a polysomnography committee should be formed under the NJ Board of Respiratory Care to regulate polysomnographic technologists.

• NJ technologists feel strongly that polysomnography should be kept separate from respiratory care so that we maintain our identity as a profession.  As a result, NJAST representatives met with the Board of Medical Examiners in March to request that a polysomnography committee be formed under their board.

• We were able to garner support from several physicians on the board for our request.  We have, however, been warned that his board is understaffed and under funded.   In addition, we were told that legislation, the Division of Consumer Affairs, and the Attorney General’s office will influence this decision.

• We also made contact with a representative of the NJ Hospital Association who was supportive of our position at that meeting.

• After that meeting NJAST representatives attended a lunch meeting with Dr. M. Patel, a member of the Board of Medical Examiners, who provided helpful information in preparation for a meeting we requested with representatives of the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Consumer Affairs to ask that an advisory committee for polysomnographic technologists be formed under the Board of Medical Examiners.

• Dr. Gizzi, Kathy Feeney, Regina Ledford, and I met with representatives of the Attorney General’s Office and Consumer Affairs on June 22, 2004.  During that meeting we were given the opportunity to:

  • Describe the practice of polysomnography,

  • Discuss the working relationship between polysomnographic technologists and physicians,

  • Present letters of support from the New Jersey Sleep Society and several members of the Board of Medical Examiners,

  • And request that polysomnographic technologists be supported in our efforts to maintain our professional identity.

• As a result of that meeting and a subsequent meeting with representatives of the Attorney General’s office in August, there are several possibilities being explored for polysomnographic technologists in New Jersey.

• The possibilities include:

  • An advisory committee under the NJ Board of Respiratory Care,

  • An advisory committee under the Board of Medical examiners,

  • An independent advisory committee for polysomnographic technologists, or

  • An independent board for polysomnographic technologists.

• Representatives from the Attorney General’s office and the Division of Consumer Affairs office are working with us to ensure that polysomnographic technologists in New Jersey will be able to continue to practice their profession in New Jersey. 

• We expect a determination from the Attorney General’s office and draft legislation within the next two weeks.   We anticipate that Senator Singer will be the primary sponsor of the legislation, and that Senator Buono and Assemblyman Reed Guscoria will also sponsor the legislation.

• Pam Phillips, a lobbyist who has recently worked with the APT on national polysomnographic regulation, has contacted NJAST to express her interest and availability to lobby for NJAST.   However, NJAST cannot afford her expertise without external funding.

• Technologists in New Jersey must organize to garner support for the legislation once it has been introduced to the legislature.  I urge you to join NJAST, stay informed, and support our efforts to ensure your ability to continue to practice your profession in New Jersey.

NJAST Organizational Activities

• NJAST Membership Cards and Certificates have been distributed to all current NJAST members.  Membership renewal notices will be sent in March.  Dues will remain $20, and can be paid by check or via the NJAST website using PayPal.

• There is an official NJAST website at www.njsleep.com

  • There is an official NJAST position statement related to the current legislative issues posted on the website.

  • Legislative information is updated frequently.

  • Meeting minutes are posted.

  • Open positions for technologists are listed. 

• An NJAST brochure was developed and distributed at the APSS meeting in Philadelphia at the APT booth and by NJAST members, who were identified by NJAST nametags in an attempt to raise awareness of NJAST and its goals. 

• Sally Gallagher, Secretary, secured reduced rates for NJAST members at this symposium, and support from NJSS for this NJAST meeting space.

• Mitch Rubenstein, Treasurer, is working on incorporating NJAST.  The NJAST treasury currently holds approximately $ 1,573.84.  All NJAST expenses incurred to date have been borne by members of the NJAST board, in order to maintain our funds for legal affairs.

• A number of committees have been formed and committee chairs named including:

  • Legislative Action Committee:  Kathy Feeney

  • Membership Liaison:  Mark Verona

  • Association Affairs:  Regina Ledford

  • Bylaws Committee (Subcommittee of Association Affairs):  Regina Ledford

  • Elections Committee (Subcommittee of Association Affairs):  Tish Galloway

  • Medical Support:  Don Fahy

  • Education:  Sally Gallagher

  • Rochelle Zozulla, PhD has agreed to serve as NJAST’s ABSM Medical Advisor. 

• The bylaws sub-committee will review the bylaws and make recommendations for changes. 

• Committee recommendations will be posted on the website for member review, discussed at the next board meeting, and presented at the May general member meeting for a vote.

• Items being considered for review include

o        Yearly elections for Director-At-Large positions

o        A Director Elect position designed to provide direction to new members

o        Limiting the number of Directors-At-Large to six

o        Elections to be held every other November with the next election to be held in November, 2006

o        Officers voted into office in November to assume those positions the following January, with the next board change to occur in January 2007

o        Two general member meetings to be held each year - May and November.

·         The NJBRC Summer 2004 Newsletter, posted on the State of New Jersey website at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/newsletters/resp904.pdf reiterates the letter that New Jersey technologists received in April of 2003 – stating that on April 30, 2006 the board will “begin to take enforcement action” against individuals performing respiratory care procedures without a license. 

·         NJAST needs ALL TECHNOLOGISTS in New Jersey to become involved.  If you are already a member, please make NJAST a priority.  Use the website to stay informed.  Encourage your fellow technologists to become involved.  If you are not yet a member, please consider joining NJAST.  We need to stand together as a group to maintain our independence as polysomnographic technologists in New Jersey.  Your job may depend on it.

New Business

None

Discussion

Recommendations by members:

Get sleep center directors and hospital administrators involved in legislative issues

Get manufacturers involved for financial support

Member questions:

How much does a lobbyist cost?  Roughly $10,000-$15,000 annually

Is there a count of PSG technicians in NJ?  Estimate is 350, but unknown

Meeting adjourned

4:25 PM

Meeting Minutes - General Membership Meeting May 15, 2004

New Jersey Association of Sleep Technologist

General Membership Meeting

May 15, 2004

1030 – 4:00

Attendance

Rita Brooks                   Sally Gallagher                          Mitch Rubenstein          

Agata Kolaski                Regina Ledford                           Mark Verona

Jacek Kotowski             Don Fahy                                  Richard Schmidt

Kathy Feeney                Paula Gallagher                         Peggy Brown

Carol Funicelli               

All decisions made during this meeting were voted upon by all in attendance and all votes, unanimous.

Roberts Rules were not followed during this meeting.  Therefore, discussions often lead to topics not on the agenda.  It was decided that the next meeting would be run using Roberts Rules.

General meeting called to order

By President, Rita Brooks, at 10:30 am.

Elections

• Ballots were distributed and collected for two positions for Directors at Large (name changed from “Members” at Large)
• It was announced that votes would be accepted for these positions until close of business on Monday, May 17^th. The need to secure future election processes was discussed

 Legislative Issues

• President Rita Brooks outlined current events relative to licensure of Polysomnographic Technologists
  • Exemption legislation has been tabled on the order of the Attorney General
  • Possibilities for licensing of polysomnographic technologists are being explored that include an advisory committee under the NJ Board of Respiratory Care
  • An attempt will be made to seek an advisory committee under the Board of Medical examiners or an independent advisory committee for polysomnographic technologists

• Sally Gallagher will seek a letter of support from the New Jersey Sleep Society
• NJAST members will review the list of NJ Hospital Association Legislative Action Committee members to seek support from members of their hospitals

 Financial Issues

• Treasurer, Mitch Rubenstein stated that we now have $ 1,573.84
• An attempt to arrange a meeting between Mitch and NJSS representatives currently investigating non-profit status will be made
• Corporate sponsorships and/or donations was discussed and will be investigated

 Committees

• Committee names were changed and chair persons voted upon
  • Legislative Action Committee:  Kathy Feeney
  • Membership Liaison:  Mark Verona
  • Association Affairs:  Regina Ledford
    • Elections Committee (Subcommittee of Association Affairs):  Tish Galloway
  • Medical Support:  Don Fahy
  • Education:  Sally Gallagher

• At the next NJAST meeting, each committee chair will submit a proposal for the role of his/her respective committee within the organization.  The board will be review these proposals for approval

 Visibility at APSS and APT support

• Kathy Feeney will request support from the APT during the APSS in June in the following manner:
  • Use of APT booth to distribute NJAST materials and advise attendees of legislative issues
  • Supplement each PA and NJ attendee’s packet with NJAST materials
• It was decided that Rita Brooks will print labels/name tags to be worn at the APSS convention to raise awareness of NJAST and its goals.  Mitch will laminate these tags.

Membership and Organization Development

• Member certificates and member cards were distributed
• Discussion relative to attracting new members and maintaining current members took place
  • Mark Verona offered a self-developed informational pamphlet outlining NJAST’s missions, goals, contact information and a membership application.  Upon review, the brochure met high approval, but must be reviewed in detail and approved by the board
  • Suggestions were made to involve other, better established organizations to assist in our growth and to achieve our goals.
  • The desire of current members and potential future members’ for something tangible in return for their membership; such as, educational opportunities was discussed. 
  • Limiting information to non-members on the website was reviewed as a means of increasing dues paying members.

• Kathy Feeney will investigate the possibility of becoming a “charter” organization of the APT
• Kathy Feeney will investigate the possibility of non-registered polysomnographic technician designations to avoid inappropriate labeling; such as, “PSGT”
• Sally Gallagher will investigate the possibility of convening during the annual NJSS educational symposium

By Laws

• Several changes were made.  The Association Affairs Chair will submit others to the board for approval at the next general meeting.
• Once the bylaws are formally amended, they will be available for all members to view.
• A brief over view of some of the primary changes are as follows:
  • Election and meeting schedules were finalized:
    • Elections will be held every other November with the next election to be held in November, 2006
    • Officers voted into office in November will assume those positions in the following January
    • The next change of the board, unless a member resigns, will take affect in January, 2007.
    • In the event that a board member resigns, this member will be replaced by a unanimous vote of the board until an election of the general membership can be held.  The election will be held at the next general membership meeting.
    • There will be two general member meetings each year - May and November.
    • A Medical Advisor will be added, Rochelle Zozulla was suggested as a possible Medical Advisor for NJAST

 Adjourned 4:00 PM 

An NJAST Meeting was held on

Saturday, March 13th from 1-3pm at:

Pulmonary Internists, PA

2 Lincoln Highway

Levinson Plaza

Suite 301

Edison, NJ 08820

Minutes and Election results will be posted shortly!  Photos from the meeting are posted below and on the NJAST photos page.

3-13-04 MEETING PHOTOS

NEW JERSEY SLEEP SOCIETY LICENSING UPDATE – 11/15/03