Exploring Practicing Registered EEG Technologies' Opinions and Preferences Regarding Electroencephalographic Scope of Practice Standard Forms of Occupational Regulations

Abstract Background: Neurodiagnostic (NDT) is the study and recording of electrical activity in the central and peripheral nervous systems, it is essential for providing critical information that can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. EEGs are the most frequently performed NDT procedures. The proportion of hospitalizations involving EEG use increased by 122.7% from 2003 to 2014, an average increase of 11.2% annually and continues to grow. The rate of rEEG use increased by 49.4% over 11 years (4.5% annually), while cEEG use increased by 302.3% (27.5% annually) (Bernheimer et al., 2018). Under existing law, the EEG profession is not specifically licensed or regulated as a distinct profession in any state. A primary impacting concern of EEG practitioners is that other allied professions may be encroaching on the EEG profession because of insubstantial EEG occupational regulations. Purpose: The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the perspective of practicing registered EEG technologists support or non-support for EEG SOP standard forms of occupational regulations. Method: Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, using a basic qualitative approach. Purposeful, criterion, and chain sampling were employed. Voluntary participants were asked eighteen open-ended questions using an interview guide questionnaire that was developed based on the review of the literature and the Social Choice Theory (SCT) and Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem Combined to form the Steer Conceptual Framework. A modified Delphi panel was conducted to obtain content and face validity of the open-ended questions with two content experts with qualitative research experience Results: Twelve semi-structed one-on-one interviews were conducted with practicing registered EEG technologists regarding EEG SOP standard forms of occupational regulations. Four central themes emerged from the study's findings. The themes that emerged are as follows: 1. Standardization of the EEG scope of practice 2. Quality of EEG procedures/patient care 3. The level of EEG training, education and experience 4. Hierarchy of EEG Conclusion: The research study themes that emerged provide a greater understanding of the perspectives of practicing registered EEG technologist regarding EEG SOP standard forms of occupational regulation. Practicing registered EEG technologists primarily expressed support for increasing EEG SOP regulations in the form of EEG registration. Key Words: EEG scope of practice, encroachment, occupational regulations, registration, certification, licensure, Social Choice Theory (SCT), Kenneth Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem