 |
In-Office Anesthesia Rules Expanded |
Regulations handed down earlier this year regarding the administration of anesthesia by CRNAs are being expanded to include the administration of all anesthesia in an office setting.
Under the proposed regulations, physicians who administer anesthesia in an office setting or work with CRNAs must be certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) by July 31, 2002 - a change from the original date of November 1, 2001.
The ACLS certification requirement also applies to anesthesiologists, and physicians working with anesthesiologists in an office setting.
Additionally, physicians who administer in-office anesthesia who do not have hospital privileges must acquire CME credits in the following areas, as part of the 150-hour requirement for license renewal:
- Conscious sedation only: minimum 8 hours CME in anesthesia within 3 year license renewal period, with 4 of the 8 hours completed before July 2002 renewal period.
- Deep sedation, regional anesthesia and/or general anesthesia: 34 hours CME in anesthesia in 3 year license renewal period, with 16 of the 34 hours completed before July 2002 renewal period.
Remember: CME requirements are the same for physicians who administer anesthesia in an office setting, and for physicians who have a practice agreement with a CRNA to administer anesthesia.