1. 1. A quantitative method of assessing a patient’s oxygenation, such as pulse oximetry, is used when minimal sedation is administered to the patient;
2. 2. The adequacy of the patient’s ventilatory function is evaluated by continual monitoring of qualitative clinical signs using direct observation and auscultation and monitoring for the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide unless precluded by the nature of the patient, procedure, or equipment;

3. 3. The patient’s circulatory function is monitored during the surgery by:

   1. a. Having a continuously displayed electrocardiogram,
   2. b. Documenting arterial blood pressure and heart rate at least every five minutes, and
   3. c. Evaluating the patient’s cardiovascular function by pulse plethysmography;
4. 4. The patient’s temperature is recorded preoperatively and monitored continuously;
5. 5. A physician or other qualified healthcare professional administering the sedation is present and responsible only for the sedation and patient effects and does not participate in the surgery or procedure; and
6. 6. A physician or other qualified healthcare professional administering the sedation is ACLS qualified and has knowledge of airway management.

A physician who performs office-based surgery using sedation shall ensure from the time sedation is administered until post-sedation monitoring begins:

Historical Note

New Section made by final rulemaking at 14 A.A.R. 380, effective January 8, 2008 (Supp. 08-1). Section R4-16-705 renumbered to R4-16-706; new Section R4-16-705 renumbered from R4-16-704 and amended by final rulemaking at 31 A.A.R. 4386 (November 21, 2025), effective January 3, 2026 (Supp. 25-4).