• It is within the role and scope of the responsibilities of the RN to administer medications for sedation as ordered by a licensed physician, dentist or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).  THIS ADVISORY DOES NOT APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF AGENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANALGESIA/PAIN MANAGEMENT.

• RNs who are not qualified anesthesia providers:
  • May not administer agents used primarily as anesthetics, including, but not limited to Ketamine, Propofol, Etomidate, Sodium Thiopental, Methohexital, Fentanyl, all extrapotent opiates, nitrous oxide, or inhalation agents. (Certain exceptions apply as outlined in the full statement.)
  • May not be authorized to manage deep sedation or anesthesia for short-term diagnostic, therapeutic, or surgical procedures.

Position Statement: The Role of the Registered Nurse (RN) in the Management of Patients Receiving IV Conscious Sedation for Short-term Therapeutic, Diagnostic, or Surgical Procedures

• Administration of IV conscious sedation medications by non-anesthetist RN's is allowed by state laws and institutional policy, procedures, and protocol.

• Specified knowledge, supervision, and skills requirements are met

Read the South Carolina Board of Nursing Position Statement
(No document date provided. Date Accessed: 3/7/10)
 

Code of Regulations of South Carolina (effective September 25, 2009)

CHAPTER 81:
Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation-- State Board Of Medical Examiners

Article 9: Office-based Surgery. [SC ADC 81-96]  (9-2009)

E. Standards for Office Procedures

Sedation/analgesia or anesthesia must be administered or supervised only by a duly licensed, qualified and competent physician. CRNAs, AAs, or other qualified practitioners who administer sedation/analgesia or anesthesia as part of a medical procedure must have training and experience appropriate to the level of sedation/analgesia or anesthesia administered and function in accordance with their scope of practice.

Read SC ADC 81-96