The purpose of this section is to guide the management and care of patients receiving anesthesia. Hospitals are not required to provide anesthesia services in order to be licensed.

If providing anesthesia services, hospitals must:

1. (1) Adopt and implement policies and procedures that:

   1. (a) Identify the types of anesthesia that may be used;
   2. (b) Identify areas where each type of anesthesia may be used; and
   3. (c) Define the staff qualifications and oversight for administering each type of anesthesia used in the hospital;
2. (2) Use hospital policies and procedures which define standards of care;
3. (3) Assure emergency equipment, supplies and services are immediately available in all areas where anesthesia is used.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.41 RCW and RCW 43.70.040. WSR 09-07-050, § 246-320-241, filed 3/11/09, effective 4/11/09.]