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SDS Accreditation Update
AAAASF changes its anesthesia requirements
Reports of adverse events, including the death of a cosmetic surgery patient, after administration of propofol by RNs have resulted in a change in anesthesia standards for some organizations accredited by the Gurnee, IL-based American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Facilities that want to use propofol must meet standards set for "Class C" facilities. AAAASF accreditation recognizes three types of same-day surgery programs:
Class B facilities that want to continue to use propofol, even for conscious sedation, but will not use other general anesthesia, can comply with the new standard by completing a form that certifies that there is an anesthesiologist or CRNA administering the propofol. The facility also must have neuromuscular blocking agents on-site, according to AAAASF standards.
For details of the changes, go to www.aaaasf.org and click on "Standards" on the left navigation bar, then choose "Standards change for B facilities." A list of rules and requirements for B facilities that need to move to C facility status is included, as well as a copy of the certification form for B facilities that will not be using any other general anesthesia.