Minnesota Board of Nursing Practice Statement
(12/09)

Statement of Accountability for Administration of Medications
Classified as Anesthetics by the Registered Nurse (12-2009)

• It is within the scope of practice for the Registered Nurse to administer medications classified as anesthetics for the purpose of procedural sedation and analgesia as long as certain strict training and knowledge requirements are met.

• A Registered Nurse may decline to administer medications classified as anesthetics or other medications if he/she perceives the administration would be unsafe under the circumstances.

• The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has listed both propofol and ketamine as "High Alert" medications that “bear a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when they are used in error.

• Registered nurses who administer medications classified as anesthetics are accountable to:
  
  • Maintain safeguards for the appropriate management of controlled or abusable substances.
  • Comply with all applicable Federal and state laws and rules. Under Minnesota Rule 4675.0500, only an anesthesiologist or qualified physician and/or anesthetist shall administer anesthetics other than local infiltration anesthetic.

Read the Board's Statement on RN Administration Anesthetics