1. (a)

   1. (1) There are certain situations when a dentist must entrust the monitoring of a sedated patient to a staff member.
   2. (2) The Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners recognizes this need and has developed an expanded function permit for certain dental assistants, hygienists, or other staff members who meet the following minimal criteria and have applied for and received a permit from the board.

2. (b) Staff monitoring patients undergoing any level of sedation must hold a current:

   1. (1) Nitrous Oxide Permit from the board; and
   2. (2) Certification in healthcare provider-level of CPR.

3. (c)

   1. (1) Staff monitoring patients undergoing deep sedation or general anesthesia must hold a current permit from the board as a sedation assistant.

   2. (2) To qualify as a sedation assistant, a person must:

      1. (A) Be a:

4. (i) Certified dental assistant;

   1. (ii) Registered dental assistant;

      1. (iii) Registered nurse; or

         1. (iv) Licensed practical nurse;
      2. (B) Hold a current certification in healthcare provider-level CPR;
      3. (C) Hold a current permit from the board to monitor and induce nitrous oxide analgesia; and

      4. (D) Successfully complete:

         1. (i) The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Anesthesia Assistant’s Training Program; or
         2. (ii) A board-approved equivalent course.
         3. (d) Renewal of permit.

   2. (1) To renew the Sedation Assistant Permit biennially, the permit holder must show proof of a minimum of two (2) hours of continuing education related to:

      1. (A) Office emergency management; or
      2. (B) Direct care of sedated patients.
   3. (2) Proof of annual review of office emergency preparedness updates or drills, as required in 17 CAR § 115-1303(d), can be submitted to fulfill this requirement.

5. (e) Exemptions.

   1. (1) Licensed physicians with a specialty in anesthesiology and certified registered nurse anesthetists are exempt from the educational and permit requirements listed in this section.
   2. (2) Other licensed healthcare providers who can show proof of successful completion of a course that meets or exceeds those listed in this part may obtain an exemption from the board on a case-by-case basis.

Codification Notes: "CPR" means cardiopulmonary resuscitation.