New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 16 - OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
Chapter 5 - DENTISTRY (DENTISTS, DENTAL HYGIENISTS, ETC.)
Part 15 - DENTISTS, ANESTHESIA/SEDATION ADMINISTRATION
Section 16.5.15.19 - PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR MINIMAL AND MODERATE SEDATION, AND DEEP SEDATION/GENERAL ANESTHESIA

A. Applications may be obtained from the board office. The completed application, accompanied by the required permit fee as defined in 16.5.5 NMAC, the application is forwarded to the anesthesia committee for evaluation. After review of the completed application and any other documentation, including a signed affidavit of compliance (if required), the anesthesia committee may recommend a permit for minimal, moderate, or deep sedation/general anesthesia. An oral and written examination of the applicant applying for moderate parenteral sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia may be required, as described in Subsection B of 16.5.15.19 NMAC.

B. Examination/evaluation: The anesthesia committee will require an oral and written examination of emergency protocols and practices from the applicant dentist for moderate parenteral sedation and deep sedation/general anesthesia, if the anesthesia committee or board determines an application is incomplete or is lacking information to make a final recommendation for approval. This may require travel by the applicant dentist to meet with an evaluator. This along with the original application, cases examples supplied, and affidavit of compliance will be used to evaluate the competency of the applicant. If an office inspection is needed, the evaluator may need to schedule a facility inspection with the applicant. The anesthesia committee uses the American association of oral and maxillofacial surgeon's office anesthesia evaluation manual as a guide for the examinations. Incomplete applications will be returned by the anesthesia committee to the board office with a clear indication of the deficient areas.

C. After receipt of proper documentation, completion of an affidavit of compliance, and the successful passing of the oral and written examination (if required), the anesthesia committee and the secretary-treasurer of the board may issue a permit to administer the level of sedation for which the applicant was approved. Ratification of this permit will occur at the next regular scheduled meeting, unless substantial subsequent evidence compels the board to deny or delay approval of the permit.

D. Final action: after final evaluation of the application and examination results, the anesthesia committee recommends final action on the application to the board. The board makes final determination on approval of the permit. If an application is determined incomplete for failure to meet the requirements of 16.5.15 NMAC, the areas of non-compliance will be identified and the applicant may re-apply when the requirements are met.