Section 320. General provisions

A. Applicability of requirements for office-based anesthesia.

1. The administration of topical anesthesia, local anesthesia, minor conductive blocks, or minimal sedation/anxiolysis, not involving a drug-induced alteration of consciousness other than minimal preoperative tranquilization, is not subject to the requirements for office-based anesthesia in this part. A health care practitioner administering such agents shall adhere to an accepted standard of care as appropriate to the level of anesthesia or sedation, including evaluation, drug selection, administration, and management of complications.

2. The administration of moderate sedation/conscious sedation, deep sedation, general anesthesia, or regional anesthesia consisting of a major conductive block is subject to these requirements for office-based anesthesia in this part. The administration of 300 milligrams or more of lidocaine or equivalent doses of local anesthetics shall be deemed to be subject to these requirements for office-based anesthesia in this part.

3. Levels of anesthesia or sedation referred to in this chapter shall relate to the level of anesthesia or sedation intended and documented by the practitioner in the preoperative anesthesia plan.

B. A doctor of medicine, osteopathic medicine, or podiatry administering office-based anesthesia or supervising such administration shall:

1. Perform a preanesthetic evaluation and examination or ensure that it has been performed;

2. Develop the anesthesia plan or ensure that it has been developed;

3. Ensure that the anesthesia plan has been discussed with the patient or responsible party preoperatively and informed consent has been obtained;

4. Ensure patient assessment and monitoring through the preprocedure, periprocedure, and post-procedure phases, addressing not only physical and functional status, but also physiological and cognitive status;

5. Ensure provision of indicated post-anesthesia care;

6. Remain physically present or immediately available, as appropriate, to manage complications and emergencies until discharge criteria have been met; and

7. Document any complications occurring during surgery or during recovery in the medical record.

C. All written policies, procedures, and protocols required for office-based anesthesia shall be maintained and available for inspection at the facility.

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.