Authority: IC 25-3.7-2-3

Affected: IC 25-3.7; IC 25-22.5

Sec. 2. (a) The definitions in this section apply throughout this rule.

(b) "Administer a drug" means the direct application of a drug, whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means, to the body of a patient.

(c) "Anesthesiologist" means an individual who:

1. (1) has successfully completed a training program in anesthesiology accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association, or an equivalent organization;
2. (2) holds an unlimited license under IC 25-22.5 to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine; and
3. (3) is actively engaged in the clinical practice of anesthesiology.

(d) "Anesthesiologist assistant" means an individual who meets the qualifications of and is licensed under IC 25-3.7.

(e) "Anesthesiologist assistant student" means an individual who is currently enrolled in an approved program.

(f) "Approved program" means a medical-based program for the education and training of anesthesiologist assistants that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or its predecessor or successor organization.

(g) "Available immediately" means the anesthesiologist is in physical proximity that allows the anesthesiologist to reestablish direct contact with the patient to meet medical needs and any urgent or emergent clinical problems. These responsibilities may also be met through coordination among anesthesiologists of the same group or department who have signed the protocol under section 8 of this rule.

(h) "Board" refers to the medical licensing board of Indiana established by IC 25-22.5.

(i) "Interventional pain management" means the practice of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain, through the use of such techniques as:

1. (1) ablation of targeted nerves;
2. (2) percutaneous precision needle placement within the spinal column with placement of drugs such as local anesthetics, steroids, or analgesics in targeted areas of the spinal column; or
3. (3) surgical techniques, such as laser or endoscopic diskectomy, intrathecal infusion pumps, and spinal cord stimulators.

(j) "NCCAA" refers to the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants, or its successor organization.

(k) "Supervision" means:

1. (1) overseeing the medical services rendered by an anesthesiologist assistant consistent with the terms of the written practice protocol; and
2. (2) maintaining a physical proximity that allows the anesthesiologist to be available immediately if needed at all times that anesthesia services are rendered by the anesthesiologist assistant.

(Medical Licensing Board of Indiana; 844 IAC 15-1-2; filed Feb 26, 2016, 9:09 a.m.: 20160323-IR- 844150300FRA; readopted filed Nov 22, 2022, 12:22 p.m.: 20221221-IR-844220255RFA; readopted filed Feb 27, 2024, 10:19 a.m.: 20240327-IR-844230772RFA)