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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 10.44.04.17" title_num="10" subtitle_num="44" chapter_num="04" heading="Nitrous Oxide.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Classification of Board Recognition. The Board shall recognize the classification of recognized to monitor nitrous oxide.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A dental hygienist may not administer nitrous oxide unless recognized by the Board as being qualified to do so as provided in this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A dental hygienist who is recognized by the Board to administer nitrous oxide may do so provided that the administration of nitrous oxide is under the supervision of a dentist who:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is physically on the premises; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Prescribes the administration of nitrous oxide by the dental hygienist.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The supervising dentist and the dental hygienist who administers nitrous oxide shall insure that the patient retains the ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond purposely to physical stimulation and verbal commands.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A dental hygienist who administers or monitors a patient to whom nitrous oxide has been administered shall enter the details of the procedure during and after the procedure into the patient’s record.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>A dental hygienist may not monitor or administer nitrous oxide to more than one patient at a time.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>A dental hygienist who administers nitrous oxide to a patient or who monitors a patient to whom nitrous oxide has been administered may not:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Treat any other patient during the course of the administration or monitoring; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Leave the operatory during the administration or monitoring except in emergency circumstances.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>A dental hygienist who is recognized to either monitor or administer nitrous oxide may remove the patient from nitrous oxide when the procedures have been completed.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>If a dental hygienist either monitors or administers nitrous oxide, the supervising dentist shall remain in the dental office and in close proximity to be summoned in the event of an emergency.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>