Neurodiagnostic Technology

Performing the important medical tests (presented in the above videos) requires thorough training and education to obtain proper results that ensure accurate diagnoses and optimal patient treatment. Physicians rely on us to obtain quality test results.

THE PROBLEM WITH WHAT WE DO

When tests have been performed improperly, poor and equivocal test results have led to poor patient outcomes that could have been minimized or avoided (misdiagnoses, suboptimal treatment selections, unnecessary surgeries, heart attacks, strokes, paralysis, or death). This underscores the gravity and significance of what we do. 

National board credentialing is the most effective method to qualify one's level of training and to verify that individuals possess the knowledge required for competency. Currently, national credentialing within our profession is only voluntary.

It is truly alarming that, within the State of Texas, more than half of the technologists perfoming these important tests do not hold qualifying credentials. Unlike all other allied health professions (radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, perfusion technology, etc.), NDT presently has no state regulatory agency, no legally defined scope of practice, minimal accountability, no mandatory continuing education, and no licensure based on approved credentials. 

Without licensure, insufficiently trained, unqualified people are allowed to perform tests with a significant risk to patient safety. The ability to competently perform NDT testing cannot be obtained in an abbreviated seminar or weekend course. There is no short cut or "fast track" training for any of the NDT test modalities.

THE PROPOSED SOLUTION:  LICENSURE

Establishing licensure for NDT in Texas will legally define our scope of practice, increase accountability, mandate continuing education, and improve competency for the primary purpose of ensuring patient welfare and safety.

THE FINANCIAL IMPACT

Our proposed Bill for NDT Licensure stipulates that, as the regulatory agency, the Texas Medical Board will establish rules that allow the credentialing process to remain with the national board organizations. This relieves the State of Texas of the financial burdens associated with these duties. Additionally, with the revenue gains from licensure fees, the financial impact to the state is near a net zero sum. Consequently, the cost to the State is negligible, while the benefit to Texas patients is immeasurable.