Section 380. Discharge policies and procedures

A. There shall be written policies and procedures outlining discharge criteria. Such criteria shall include stable vital signs, responsiveness and orientation, ability to move voluntarily, controlled pain, and minimal nausea and vomiting.

B. Discharge from anesthesia care is the responsibility of the health care practitioner providing or the doctor supervising the anesthesia care and shall only occur when:

1. The patient has met specific physician-defined criteria; and

2. The health care practitioner providing or the doctor supervising the anesthetic care has given the order for discharge.

C. Written instructions and an emergency phone number shall be provided to the patient. Patients shall be discharged with a responsible individual who has been instructed with regard to the patient's care.

D. At least one person trained in advanced resuscitative techniques shall be immediately available until all patients are discharged.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 19, Issue 18, eff. June 18, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 22, eff. July 27, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2912.1 of the Code of Virginia.