Section 17-5113. SCOPE OF PRACTICE

 

5113.1An anesthesiologist assistant shall, in accordance with this chapter and the Act, have the authority to perform the following tasks:

 

(a)Obtain a comprehensive patient history, perform relevant elements of a physical examination, and present the history to the supervising anesthesiologist;

 

(b)Pretest and calibrate anesthesia delivery systems and obtain and interpret information from the systems and monitors, in consultation with an anesthesiologist;

 

(c)Assist the supervising anesthesiologist with the implementation of medically accepted monitoring techniques;

 

(d)Establish basic and advanced airway interventions, including intubation of the trachea and performing ventilatory support;

 

(e)Administer intermittent vasoactive drugs and start and adjust vasoactive infusions;

 

(f)Administer anesthetic drugs, adjuvant drugs, and accessory drugs, including narcotics;

 

(g)Assist the supervising anesthesiologist with the performance of epidural anesthetic procedures, spinal anesthetic procedures, and other regional anesthetic techniques;

 

(h)Administer blood, blood products, and supportive fluids;

 

(i)Provide assistance to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation team in in response to a life threatening situation;

 

(j)Monitor, transport, and transfer care to appropriate anesthesia or recovery personnel;

 

(k)Participate in administrative, research, and clinical teaching activities, as authorized by the supervising anesthesiologist; and

 

(l)Perform such other tasks that an anesthesiologist assistant has been trained and is proficient to perform.

 

5113.2An anesthesiologist assistant shall not perform the following tasks:

 

(a)Prescribe any medications or controlled substances;

 

(b)Practice or attempt to practice unless under the supervision of an anesthesiologist who is immediately available for consultation, assistance, and intervention;

 

(c)Practice or attempt to administer anesthesia during the induction or emergence phase without the personal participation of the supervising anesthesiologist; or

 

(d)Administer any drugs, medicines, devices, or therapies the supervising anesthesiologist is not qualified or authorized to prescribe.

 

source

As amended by Final Rulemaking published at 53 DCR 91 (January 6, 2006).