Alabama Administrative Code
Title 540 - ALABAMA BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS
Chapter 540-X-10 - OFFICE-BASED SURGERY
Section 540-X-10-.09 - Recovery Area And Assessment For Discharge With Moderate And Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia - Monitoring Requirement

Universal Citation: AL Admin Code R 540-X-10-.09

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 5, February 29, 2024

Monitoring in the recovery area should be performed by a dedicated person, trained in their specific job skills as determined by the supervising physician, and must include pulse oximetry and non-invasive blood pressure measurement. The patient must be assessed periodically for level of consciousness, pain relief, or any untoward complication. Each patient should meet discharge criteria as established by the practice, prior to leaving the facility. Documented recovery from anesthesia should include the following:

1) vital signs and oxygen saturation stable within acceptable limits;

2) no more than minimal nausea, vomiting or dizziness; and

3) sufficient time (up to 2 hours) should have elapsed following the last administration of reversal agents to ensure the patient does not become sedated after reversal effects have worn off. The patient should be given appropriate discharge instructions and discharge under the care of a responsible third party after meeting discharge criteria. Discharge instructions should include:

1) the procedure performed;

2) information about potential complications;

3) telephone numbers to be used by the patient to discuss complications or questions that may arise;

4) instructions for medications prescribed and pain management;

5) information regarding the follow-up visit date, time and location; and

6) designated treatment facility in the event of an emergency (office-based physician's number, not the emergency room).

Authors: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners ad hoc Committee: Arthur F. Toole, III, M.D.; Jorge A. Alsip, M.D.; James G. Chambers, III, M.D.; Craig H. Christopher, M.D.; Alcus Ray Hudson, M.D.; Pamela D. Varner, M.D.; James E. West, M.D.; and Task Force Sub-Committee: Jeff Plagenhoef, M.D.; Eric Crum, M.D.; Dan J. Coyle, Jr., M.D.; Gary Monheit, M.D.; Robert Hurlbutt, IV, M.D.; C. Paul Perry, M.D.; W. Guinn Paulk, M.D.; Mark McIlwain, D.M.D., M.D.; Jerald Clanton, D.M.D., M.D.; Patrick J. Budny, M.D.; James W. Northington, M.D.; David Franco, M.D.; Thomas E. Moody, M.D.

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-24-53.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Alabama may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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