TEXAS MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Resolution 301 (A-06)
Subject: Practice of Diagnostic Needle EMG as the Practice of Medicine
Introduced by: Harris County Medical Society
Referred to: Reference Committee on Science and Education
Whereas, In December 2005, the State of Michigan signed into law the first bill in the United States that clearly and unequivocally establishes the practice of diagnostic needle electromyography (EMG) as the practice of medicine that may be performed by licensed physicians only; and
Whereas, In January 2006, the State of New Jersey signed into law a bill which says that only licensed physicians may perform needle EMG; and
Whereas; The Texas Neurological Society and medical specialty societies for several years have been concerned about the interpretation of EMGs by any other than licensed physicians; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Texas Medical Association direct its Council on Legislation to draft suitable legislation for the next biennium legislature to establish that the practice of diagnostic needle electromyography constitutes the practice of medicine and may be performed only by licensed physicians.
Relevant TMA Policy
270.004 Electromyography : Clinical diagnostic electromyography examinations involving the selection of the muscles to be studied, modifying the examination as the data unfolds, inserting the needle electrodes, recording and interpreting the data therapy obtained, describing the findings, and rendering of a diagnostic opinion based upon an integration of the clinical history physical examination features, other pertinent clinical data, and electromyographic findings should be performed only by a fully licensed physician qualified by reason of education, training, and experience in these procedures (Committee on Rehabilitation, p 169, A-96).
TMA House of Delegates: TexMed 2006
Last Updated On
July 06, 2010
Originally Published On
March 23, 2010