5708.1 In addition to the general functions specified in § 5700, a nurse-anesthetist may perform all of the functions listed below, to include:
- (a) Determining the health status of the patient as it relates to the relative risks associated with the anesthetic management of the patient;
- (b) Based on history, physical assessment, and supplemental laboratory results, determining appropriate type of anesthesia;
- (c) Ordering pre-anesthetic medication;
- (d) Performing procedures commonly used to render the patient insensible to pain during the performance of surgical, obstetrical, therapeutic, or diagnostic clinical procedures. This shall include ordering and administering:
- (1) General and regional anesthesia;
- (2) Inhalation agents and techniques;
- (3) Intravenous agents and techniques; and
- (4) Techniques of hypnosis;
- (e) Order or perform monitoring procedures indicated as pertinent to the anesthetic health care management of the patient;
- (f) Support life functions during anesthesia health care, including inductions and intubation procedures, the use of appropriate mechanical supportive devices, and the management of fluid, electrolyte, and blood component balances;
- (g) Recognize and take appropriate corrective action for abnormal patient responses to anesthesia, adjunctive medication, or other forms of therapy;
- (h) Recognize and treat cardiac arrhythmia while the patient is under anesthetic care;
- (i) Management of the patient while in the post-anesthesia recovery phase, including post-anesthesia evaluation of the patient, ordering the administration of fluids and drugs, discharging of the patient;
- (j) Place peripheral and central venous and arterial lines for blood sampling and monitoring as appropriate; and
- (k) Such other functions and services the Board deems appropriate upon review and analysis of professional and association literature which articulates scopes and standards for nurse-anesthetist practice.
SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 36 DCR 3491, 3493 (May 12, 1989); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 49 DCR 11751 (December 27, 2002).