Anesthesiologist's assistants may perform medical tasks and services within the framework of a written practice protocol developed for the anesthesiologist's assistant. Within this practice protocol the anesthesiologist's assistant, under the direction of the anesthesiologist may engage in these functions and duties:

(1) obtaining relevant preoperative health history by record or chart review and by direct contact with the patient in the preoperative period;

(2) presenting preoperative health information to the supervising anesthesiologist for the collaborative formulation of an anesthetic plan;

(3) performing initial acute cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in life-threatening situations as directed by a physician;

(4) initiating medically directed multi-parameter monitoring before anesthesia and in other acute care settings. Modalities that may be used include, but are not limited to, American Society of Anesthesiologists Standard Monitors, arterial and venous catheters, or any other current medically accepted modality. The anesthesiologist's assistant may obtain data from monitors or devices that are indicated and may initiate medically directed therapy. The anesthesiologist's assistant may administer drugs used in anesthetic practice by written protocol or as directed by the supervising anesthesiologist;

(5) using current advanced treatment modalities to effect the prescribed anesthetic plan during the procedure. These advanced treatment modalities may include, but are not limited to, basic and advanced airway interventions, including intubation of the trachea; administering intermittent vasoactive drugs, starting and adjusting vasoactive infusions, administering anesthetic, adjuvant, and accessory drugs; administering blood and blood products; and any other treatment modalities prescribed by the medically directing anesthesiologist and within the training and expertise of the anesthesiologist's assistant;

(6) supporting the patient upon emergence and recovery from an anesthetic by airway intervention or ventilatory support and administering any supportive medication and fluids;

(7) participating in administrative, educational, and research activities as appropriate.

An anesthesiologist's assistant may not present himself or herself as an anesthesiologist, any other type of physician, or a nurse anesthetist. The required nomenclature is: "Anesthesiologist's Assistant".

HISTORY: 2001 Act No. 57, Section 1.