Procedural Sedation Guidelines and Test

Medical Staff Members:

On December 11, 2009, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memorandum addressing the revisions to the Anesthesia Services Conditions of Participation. The following are key points addressed by a Regional Task Force.

• CMS now includes minimal, moderate and deep sedation under the anesthesia requirements.
• They require anesthesia oversight of all anesthesia services provided throughout the hospital.
• They specify who may administer deep sedation (includes Propofol); Anesthesiologist, MD, DO, CRNA, Dentist, Oral Surgeon, Podiatrist, Anesthesiologist Assistant under Anesthesiologist supervision.

Given the new CMS guidelines and their requirement that all anesthesia services, including sedation, be overseen by the Anesthesia Department, all non-anesthesiologists requesting procedural sedation privileges will now be required to view the American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) Practice Guidelines for Sedation and Analgesia by Non-Anesthesiologists and pass the accompanying test with a score of 80% or better. This process is being implemented to standardize the credentialing criteria and confirm competency for all non-anesthesiologists performing procedural sedation. The Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region is moving towards regional compliance with this learning module and test to ensure consistency for physicians within the region.

Please view the video and then take the exam. Upon completion, print the exam and send to Medical Staff Services via fax at (916) 733-8380 or mail to 2801 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816. The learning module and exam should take less than an hour to view and complete.

Thank you,

Jaime Dickerson, M.D.
Chief, Anesthesia Department