Final answer:
Diagnostic sonographers in the U.S. started being regulated in the 1970s with the establishment of the ARDMS. This organization provides certification to maintain standards within the field, though some states also require licensure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regulation of diagnostic sonographers varies by country, but in the United States, the profession began to see formal regulation in the 1970s. The primary body responsible for these regulations is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), which was established in 1975. The ARDMS provides certification for sonographers to ensure a standard of excellence and competence within the field. Although certification by the ARDMS is voluntary, many employers require it, and some states have sought to require licensure for sonographers. In addition to the ARDMS, other organizations like the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) also contribute guidelines and standards for professionals in this area.