Dentists who administer nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia in New Mexico are required to be registered with the board. Dentists who administer minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia in New Mexico are required to obtain an anesthesia permit from the board. Any dentist who fails to comply with these rules may be subject to disciplinary action by the board. Anesthesia permits valid on the effective date of this rule continue to be valid until the expiration date indicated on the permit.

1. A. Permit requirements: (In order of increasing complexity higher level permit includes all lower level permits within the scope of that permit).

   1. (1) Anxiolysis only: No permit necessary (single drug/single dose, within the normal therapeutic dose for anxiolysis).
   2. (2) Nitrous oxide alone: Permit required, no practitioner or facility exam required.
   3. (3) Minimal sedation: Permit required, no exam of practitioner or facility, affidavit of compliance required (single enteral drug, with or without nitrous oxide, below the maximum recommended dose).
   4. (4) Moderate sedation: Permit required, affidavit of compliance, oral, written, and facility exam required at the discretion of the board or its anesthesia committee (single enteral drugs above the maximum recommended dose, multiple enteral drugs, enteral drug plus nitrous oxide, any parenteral drugs).
   5. (5) Deep sedation/general anesthesia: Permit required, affidavit of compliance, practitioner and facility exam required at the discretion of the board or its anesthesia committee.
2. B. Facility limitations: If the dentist of a facility approved for a sedation permit utilizes a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to provide the sedation, the CRNA may only administer sedation up to the permit level of the operating dentist and the facility.

[16.5.15.8 NMAC - Rp, 16.5.15.8 NMAC, 5/31/2023]