(a) As used in this article, “minimal sedation” means a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, airway reflexes, ventilatory, and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

(b) The drugs and techniques used in minimal sedation shall have a margin of safety wide enough to render unintended loss of consciousness unlikely. Further, patients who require tactile stimulation to elicit a response to verbal commands shall not be considered to be in a state of minimal sedation.

(c) For the very young or developmentally delayed individual, incapable of the usually expected verbal response, a minimally depressed level of consciousness should be maintained.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 929, Sec. 9. (SB 501) Effective January 1, 2019. Operative January 1, 2022, pursuant to Section 1647.36.)