New ASA Standard for Basic Anesthesia Monitoring
For the first time since 2005, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) House of Delegates approved a change in the ASA Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring. Effective July 1, 2011, the ASA Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring were revised.
ASA's Former Standard For Basic Anesthesia Monitoring Read:
During regional anesthesia and monitored anesthesia care, the adequacy of ventilation shall be evaluated by continual observation of qualitative clinical signs and/or monitoring for the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide.
Effective July 1, 2011, ASA's New Standard For Basic Anesthesia Monitoring Reads:
During regional anesthesia (with no sedation) or local anesthesia (with no sedation), the adequacy of ventilation shall be evaluated by continual observation of qualitative clinical signs. During moderate or deep sedation, the adequacy of ventilation shall be evaluated by continual observation of qualitative clinical signs and monitoring for the presence of exhaled carbon dioxide unless precluded or invalidated by the nature of the patient, procedure or equipment.
New ASA Standard and Patient Safety
Preferred Physicians Medical (PPM), an industry leading provider of professional liability insurance for anesthesia practices, has recently encouraged its policyholders to review and update their practice protocols to reflect the revised ASA Standards for Basic Anesthesia Monitoring. According to Brian Thomas, PPM’s Director of Risk Management, ASA standards are designed to provide guidance to improve decision-making and promote beneficial outcomes for the practice of anesthesiology. While they are not intended as unique or exclusive indicators of appropriate care, PPM’s considerable litigation experience strongly suggests plaintiff attorneys will argue that the ASA Standards do create a national standard of care for all anesthesiologists. For this reason, PPM continues to believe that compliance with the newly revised standard will be key to defending anesthesiologists in the courtroom.
For additional information on the ASA Standards, PPM recommends reviewing information at the ASA website at www.asahq.org
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding complying with the new ASA Standard...
