Rule 700-12-.08. Surgical Standards

1. (1) A licensed veterinarian employed at a veterinary facility must ensure that the following criteria pertaining to surgical standards are met if surgical procedures are performed in the facility:

   1. (a) Dose, type and strength of anesthesia, and weight and physical exam findings must be recorded in the patient record.
   2. (b) Name of licensed veterinarian performing the surgery must be recorded in the patient record.
   3. (c) A surgery table must be used for non-ambulatory procedures. Such table must have an impervious surface suitable for cleaning and disinfecting. The surgical area must be clean, orderly, and well illuminated. If the practitioner does not use a surgery table, the rationale for foregoing its use must be documented within the patient record.
   4. (d) All surgery must be performed by a licensed veterinarian utilizing aseptic technique as appropriate for the procedure.

   5. (e) Surgical equipment must be sterilized in the following manner:

      1. 1. Cold sterilization must be limited to instruments used in minor procedures or limited to those instruments that cannot be sterilized otherwise.
      2. 2. Surgical instruments other than those applicable to (e)(1). above must be sterilized utilizing autoclave, gas, or other technique acceptable to the Board.
   6. (f) Oxygen and equipment for administration must be available.
   7. (g) For patients under general anesthesia for more than five minutes an endotracheal tube must be utilized as appropriate for the procedure.
   8. (h) For patients under general anesthesia monitoring and vital signs must be recorded at intervals in accordance with minimal standards.
   9. (i) Warming devices for patients undergoing general anesthesia is required as appropriate.
   10. (j) Pain management is required for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
   11. (k) Facilities and equipment for resuscitation must be readily available as appropriate.

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-50-21(a)(8), 43-50-90(a), 43-50-110.

History. Original Rule entitled "Surgical Standards" adopted. F. Apr. 8, 2004; eff. Apr. 28, 2004.

Amended: F. Dec. 9, 2022; eff. Dec. 29, 2022.