Is there a state specific scope of practice or by-laws for Cardiac Sonographers?
The ACC/AHA have scope of practice for physicians involved in echo. The ASE has written documents on scope of practice for sonographers over the years. ASE has just published a minimum standards document for the cardiac sonographer which addresses many of these issues (click here to download a pdf of this document). Historically, sonographers were once designated as technicians or “one who is a specialist in the practical knowledge and technical details of ultrasound” and often received only on-the-job training. This traditional career pathway for sonographers has now evolved today into a requirement of training through a formal cardiac ultrasound program, obtaining a recognized credential through a certification examination, association with professional societies, and continued medical education by attendance at local/regional or national meetings. There are also legal restraints on the practice of medicine without a license and the practice of cardiac sonography must take these in c
