Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 360-41-.01 - Definitions

For purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Deep sedation/analgesia" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which the patient cannot be easily aroused but can respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation.

(2) "General anesthesia" means a state of unconsciousness intentionally produced by anesthetic agents with absence of pain sensation over the entire body, in which the patient's protective airway reflexes may be impaired and the patient may be unable to maintain a patent natural airway. Sedation that progresses to the point at which the patient's protective airway reflexes are impaired and the patient is unable to maintain a patent natural airway is considered general anesthesia.

(3) "Major conduction anesthesia" means the administration of a drug or combination of drugs to interrupt nerve impulses without loss of consciousness, such as epidural, caudal, or spinal anesthesia, lumbar or brachial plexus blocks, and intravenous regional anesthesia. Major conduction anesthesia does not include isolated blockade of small peripheral nerves, such as digital nerves.

(4) "Medispa" means a facility that offers a range of services for the purpose of improving an individual's well-being or appearance including medical and surgical procedures such as liposuction, laser procedures, intense pulsed light, and injection of cosmetic filling agents and neurotoxins in a nontraditional setting.

(5) "Minimal sedation" means a drug-induced state during which the patient responds normally to verbal commands.

(6) "Moderate sedation/analgesia" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which the patient responds purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by tactile stimulation.

(7) "Office based surgery" means any surgery or invasive medical procedure requiring sedation, when performed in a location other than a hospital, hospital associated surgical center, or an ambulatory surgical facility, including but not limited to, physicians' offices and medispas.

(8) "Rescue" means an intervention by a practitioner proficient in airway management and advanced life support to correct adverse physiologic consequences of the deeper-than-intended level of sedation and to return the patient to the originally intended level of sedation.

(9) "Sedation" means minimal sedation, moderate sedation/analgesia, deep sedation/analgesia, or general anesthesia. This term shall not include local infiltration.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 360-41-.01

O.C.G.A. § 43-34-47.

Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Apr. 26, 2023; eff. May 16, 2023.