NAC631.2237. Procedures required before administration of anesthetic or sedation.

     1. Written consent of the patient must be obtained before the administration of a general anesthetic, deep sedation or conscious sedation, unless the dentist determines that an emergency situation exists in which delaying the procedure to obtain the consent would likely cause permanent injury to the patient. If the patient is a minor, the consent must be obtained from his or her parent or legal guardian.

     2. A medical history must be taken before the administration of a general anesthetic, deep sedation or conscious sedation. A patient should be asked to describe any current medical conditions or treatments, including, without limitation, medications, drug allergies, impending or past operations and pregnancy, and to give other information that may be helpful to the person administering the anesthetic or sedation. The dentist is not required to make a complete medical examination of the patient and draw medical diagnostic conclusions. If a dentist suspects a medical problem and calls in a physician for an examination and evaluation, he or she may then rely upon that conclusion and diagnosis. Questions asked of and answers received from the patient must be permanently recorded and signed by the patient before the administration of any general anesthetic, deep sedation or conscious sedation, and this record must be a permanent part of the patient’s record of treatment.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Dental Exam’rs, eff. 10-21-83; A by R005-99, 9-7-2000)