Administration of Propofol (Diprivan®) by the Registered Nurse - Resolution (4-8-2005)

In accordance with South Dakota Board of Nursing Declaratory Ruling 89-1, the Board of Nursing:

• Recognizes that Propofol (Diprivan®) is classified by the FDA as a sedative/hypnotic agent at lower doses and an anesthetic agent when given at sufficiently high doses; and has been utilized by physicians in low doses as an anti-emetic agent.

• Reaffirms the position that the administration of anesthetic agents is not within the scope of practice for the Registered Nurse.

• Further resolves that the administration of sedative/hypnotic agents including Propofol (Diprivan®) by the Registered Nurse must be guided by the South Dakota Board of Nursing's Position Statement on the Role of the Registered Nurse in the Management of Adult Clients Receiving IV Moderate Sedation for Short-Term Therapeutic, Diagnostic, or Surgical Procedures issued April 2003.

Read the Board of Nursing Resolution

Article 20:48:04:01: Scope and standards of nursing practice -- Basic role (12-16-2006)

South Dakota Board of Nursing Declaratory Ruling 89-1

Although registered nurses, under the direction of a physician, may administer narcotics, analgesics, sedatives, and tranquilizing medications to patients, registered nurses may not administer any medication for the purpose of inducing general anesthesia. It is not within the authority of the board to determine how or for what purpose a specific drug with multiple uses is being administered at any given time. Institutional or agency protocol must address this.

Read SDAR 20:48:04:01