Senate Bill 1305, which removes a stipulation that says only a licensed physician may perform NCV studies, passed through the New Jersey State Senate on 5/21/09 on a 39-0 vote. The bill now moves forward to the New Jersey State Assembly.
In 2006, the AAN supported New Jersey Assembly Bill 456, which sought to define needle electromyography (EMG) and the interpretation of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies as the practice of medicine in the state of New Jersey. Prior to final passage, however, the language was changed without the AAN’s knowledge or support. The bill, as signed into law, defined performing needle EMG as well as the interpretation and performance NCV studies as the practice of medicine, which ultimately prevents technicians from legally performing NCV studies. (NJ Statue P.L.2005, c.303).
AAN Members in New Jersey are encouraged to contact State Assembley Representative and ask them to support this important legislation by logging on to Vocus to send a letter directly to their Assembly Representative.
Update: The New Jersey State Legislature is in adjournment until September.
For questions or comments, please contact Tim Miller, Health Policy Analyst, at tmiller@aan.com.
