Regulation .06 Standards of Practice.

An anesthesiologist, licensed physician, or dentist shall be physically available to the nurse anesthetist for consultation at all times during the administration of, and recovery from, anesthesia;

An anesthesiologist shall be available for consultation to the nurse anesthetist for other aspects of the practice of nurse anesthesia; and

If an anesthesiologist is not available, a licensed physician or dentist shall be available to provide this type of consultation.

Performs a thorough and complete preanesthetic assessment;

Obtains informed consent for the planned anesthetic intervention from the patient or responsible other; and

Formulates a patient-specific plan for anesthesia care.

Implement and adjust the anesthesia care plan as needed to adapt to the patient's response to the anesthesia;

Monitor the patient's physiologic condition for untoward identifiable reactions and initiate appropriate corrective actions as required;

Enter prompt, complete, and accurate documentation of pertinent information on the patient's record;

Transfer responsibility for care of the patient to other qualified providers in a manner which assures continuity of care and patient safety;

Ensure that appropriate safety precautions are taken to minimize the risks of fire, explosion, electrical shock, and equipment malfunction;

Maintain appropriate infection control standards;

Evaluate anesthesia care to assure its quality;

Maintain continual competence in anesthesia practice;

Respect and maintain the basic rights of patients; and

Maintain medical records in accordance with Health-General Article, Title 4, Subtitle 4, Annotated Code of Maryland.