What is the minimum supervision requirement for anesthesia in an ASC?

• A. An RN must supervise all anesthesia care
• B. No supervision required
• C. A licensed anesthesia professional must supervise all anesthesia care; a physician anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist is typically required depending on state
• D. A surgeon must supervise anesthesia

Answer: (C)

Supervision by a licensed anesthesia professional is required to oversee all anesthesia care in an ASC. This means there must be a qualified individual, such as a physician anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist, responsible for administering anesthesia, monitoring the patient, and being ready to manage any airway or other complications. The exact supervising professional can vary by state law, but the minimum standard is that a licensed anesthesia specialist is in charge of anesthesia care on site.

This isn’t about a nurse or a surgeon taking on the anesthesia role. An RN alone does not supervise anesthesia, and a surgeon does not supervise anesthesia either. Nor is it acceptable to have no supervision, given the safety risks anesthesia poses and the licensure requirements that govern who may supervise it.