44:76:10:04.  Anesthesia services. Each facility shall provide anesthesia services organized, directed, and integrated with other related services commensurate with the scope and needs of patients. Each facility shall ensure qualified staff deliver anesthesia care to patients according to written policies relating to anesthesia procedures approved by the medical staff. Each facility shall establish safety and sanitation controls. All anesthetizing locations that are not protected against potential explosive hazards shall have a legible sign posted prohibiting the use of flammable gas as anesthetics. At a minimum, a facility shall ensure that:

    (1)  A physician is on the premises during the post-anesthetic recovery period until all patients are alert or discharged;

    (2)  When a general anesthetic is used, at least one registered nurse is in the recovery room during the patient's post-anesthetic recovery period;

    (3)  Policies and procedures on the administration of anesthetics are developed by the medical staff and approved by the governing body;

    (4)  Prior to undergoing general anesthesia, a patient has a history and physical examination by a physician, including necessary laboratory examinations;

    (5)  Before discharge from the facility, each patient is evaluated by a physician for proper anesthesia recovery;

    (6)  No flammable anesthetic is allowed at the facility; and

    (7)  All anesthetics are administered by an anesthesiologist or anesthetist, except for local anesthetic agents which may be administered by the attending physician.

    Source: 42 SDR 51, effective October 13, 2015; 48 SDR 59, effective December 5, 2021.

    General Authority: SDCL 34-12-13(6) and (7).

    Law Implemented: SDCL 34-12-13(6) and (7).