Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 123.14 - Written policiesWritten policies shall provide at least as follows:
(1) Every patient requiring anesthesia shall have a preanesthesia evaluation by a physician or by a qualified person under the supervision of a physician, with appropriate documentation of pertinent information regarding the choice of anesthesia. This examination and recording of the findings from it shall take place within 48 hours prior to surgery.(2) Review of the condition of the patient immediately prior to induction of anesthesia shall include a review of the patient's medical record with regard to completeness, pertinent laboratory data, time of administration, and dosage of preanesthesia medications, together with an appraisal of any changes in the condition of the patient, as compared with that noted on the patient's medical record.(3) Prior to beginning the administration of anesthesia, the anesthetist shall check all equipment to be used in administration of anesthetic agents. In addition, each anesthetic gas machine in all anesthetising areas shall have a pin-index safety system.(4) Following the procedure for which anesthesia was administered, the anesthetist or his designate shall remain with the patient as long as necessary. Personnel responsible for postanesthetic care should be advised as to specific problems presented by the condition of the patient. Decisions about the discharge of patients from any postanesthesia care unit shall be made by a physician.(5) Every patient receiving anesthesia shall have an anesthetic record maintained. This shall include a record of all events taking place during the induction of, maintenance of, and emergence from anesthesia, including the dosage and duration of all anesthetic agents, other drugs, intravenous fluids, and blood or blood fractions.(6) Every patient receiving anesthesia shall have a postanesthetic visit by an anesthetist, who shall record in the patient's medical record at least one note describing the presence or absence of any post-operative abnormalities or complications and the general condition of the patient. This visit and the note recording it shall be performed no later than 24 hours after the operation and shall be signed by the person who makes the visit.(7) Anesthetizing gases shall be available only in anesthetic spaces designated as such by the medical staff.