SVU/SVS Submits Joint Comments to the OMB on Proposed 2010 Revision of the Standard Occupation Classification Manual

On July 15, 2008, SVU submitted official comments to the Office of Management and Budget on proposed revisions to the Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) manual revision for 2010. SVU and SVS requested that the OMB remove the occupation of Vascular Technologist from its current SOC placement within the Cardiovascular technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2031 classification, and assign vascular technologists to a new detailed occupational classification of their own.

The comment letter explains a new detailed occupation for vascular technologists is warranted because of the nature of their work, including their responsibilities, decision-making, training and qualifications, credentialing, and other factors that clearly distinguish vascular technologists from cardiovascular technologists. Vascular technologists, unlike the other specialists within the classification of cardiovascular technologists and technicians, provide a primary and direct role in obtaining images and other data used in diagnosing vascular disease and potentially threatening conditions, a role that requires specialized skill sets and educational training in the use of both ultrasound and physiologic methods. Significantly, through training and expertise, vascular technologists, unlike cardiovascular technologists, must use their judgment in adapting the application of the testing modality in order to ensure accurate results.

The full SVU comment letter is posted on the SVU website home page under what’s New.