N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44E-2.7A

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 13:44E-2.7A - Ordering of electro-therapy devices for home use

(a) For purposes of this section and N.J.A.C. 13:44E-2.7(c)5 ii, "electro-therapy devices" such as "TENS" (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation), "MES" (micro-ampere electric stimulation), or "EMS" (electric muscle stimulation) devices, means devices which generate an electrical current that is applied to the skin via electrodes to cause a physiological effect.

(b) A licensee may not order an electro-therapy device for home use which:

1. Uses AC electrical current; or

2. Is an interferential device which crosses two medium frequency alternating currents through the body.

(c) A licensee may order a battery operated electro-therapy device for home use provided that the patient:

1. Is not using a cardiac pacemaker or implanted defibrillator;

2. Is not epileptic;

3. Does not suffer from any cognitive impairment which affects the patient's ability to follow instructions;

4. Is willing and able to assume responsibility in writing for use of the electric therapy device;

5. Will have adequate home assistance, where such assistance may be necessary in the opinion of the treating chiropractor, especially when the electrodes are to be placed paraspinally;

6. Is provided with a complete set of instructions for home use which includes:

i. The operation of the unit;

ii. Battery charging or changing;

iii. Care of the unit and supplies;

iv. The preferred and alternative electrode placements and stimulation parameters;

v. The suggested schedule of treatment times and rest periods;

vi. Precautions against misuse of the unit, including using the device for any purpose other than that for which it was ordered;

vii. The avoidance and treatment of skin irritation;

viii. The address and phone number of an information source for troubleshooting; and

ix. The chiropractor's name and phone number; and

7. Has provided a written acknowledgment that a complete set of instructions for home use has been received.

(d) A battery operated electro-therapy device may be ordered for home use, provided that the chiropractor has instructed the patient that the electro-therapy device should not be applied over:

1. The carotid sinus;

2. Blood vessels with thrombosis or emboli;

3. Tissue or blood vessels vulnerable to hemorrhage or inflammation;

4. Lumbar or abdominal areas of pregnant women;

5. The eyes or internally;

6. A malignancy; or

7. Trans-thoracic applications in asthenic patients.

(e) The licensee shall document the ordering of care using an electro-therapy device in the patient record pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:44E-2.2, which shall also include the following:

1. A specific treatment protocol, including the specific electro-modality to be used, the electrode type, and the electrode placement;

2. An evaluation of the patient's response and documentation of any necessary adjustments to the treatment;

3. The estimated period of time necessary to achieve the treatment goals of the electro-stimulation device;

4. Regular follow-up evaluations of the patient's participation in the at-home electro-therapy device program; and

5. The acknowledgment from the patient that a complete set of instructions for home use has been received pursuant to (c)7 above.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:44E-2.7A

New Rule, R.2004 d.141, effective 4/5/2004.
See: 35 N.J.R. 4828(a), 36 N.J.R. 1820(a).
Amended by R.2007 d.31, effective 2/20/2007.
See: 38 N.J.R. 3235(a), 39 N.J.R. 656(a).
In (c)1, inserted "or implanted defibrillator"; in (c)5, inserted a comma after "assistance"; and in (c)6vi, inserted a comma after "unit".