STATEMENTS OF POLICY
STATE BOARD
OF NURSING
[49 PA. CODE CH. 21]
IV Conscious Sedation
[27 Pa.B. 194] The State Board of Nursing (Board) is proposing to amend § 21.413 (relating to interpretations regarding the administration of drugs--statement of policy) by deleting the requirement in subsection (d)(5) that a registered nurse who wishes to administer IV conscious sedation be certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Instead, the policy statement would require that a nurse or other health care professional be immediately available on the premises and competent to provide advanced life support services.
Subsequent to the promulgation of § 21.413, the Board received requests from nurses, physicians and health care facilities for clarification of subsection (d)(5). In particular, the public questioned whether another health care professional trained in advanced life support and who was immediately available on the premises could provide life support services rather than the registered nurse involved in direct patient care. The Board has determined that so long as a health care professional competent to perform this procedure is immediately available, the public safety would be protected.
In addition, the Board received numerous inquiries concerning the requirement that the nurse be certified in ACLS. Since that particular certification is appropriate for adult life support, the public asked if it was also a requirement for pediatric facilities. In order to accommodate other recognized certifications, registrations and licenses that permit the holder to provide this service, the Board has determined that the requirement be more generic rather than specific.
Statutory Authority
This statement of policy is implemented under sections 2(l) and 2.1(k) of the Professional Nursing Law (63 P. S. §§ 212(l) and 212.1(k)) and 49 Pa. Code § 21.401 (relating to interpretations: scope of practice).
Commemts
Under § 21.401, the Board will allow 60 days for public comment from the date of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of the notice of intention to adopt this policy.
SISTER RITA MORIARTY, RN, MPA,
ChairpersonFiscal Note: 16A-513. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 49. PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS
PART I. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Subpart A. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS
CHAPTER 21. STATE BOARD OF NURSING § 21.413. Interpretations regarding the administration of drugs--statement of policy.
* * * * * (d) As used in this subsection, ''conscious sedation'' is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness in which the patient retains the ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal commands. The registered nurse who is not a certified registered nurse anesthetist may administer intravenous conscious sedation medications, under § 21.14, during minor therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, when the following conditions exist:
* * * * * (5) [The registered nurse involved in direct patient care is certified in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).] A registered nurse or other health care professional is immediately available on the premises to provide advanced life support services. For purposes of this section, ''other health care professional'' shall be defined as a health care provider who, through registration, certification or licensure, is authorized to provide advanced life support services. Provisions shall be in place for back-up personnel who are experts in airway management, emergency intubation and advanced life support if complications arise.
* * * * *
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 97-44. Filed for public inspection January 10, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]
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