(A) During the time period that begins on a patient’s admission for a surgery or procedure to a health care facility where the certified registered nurse anesthetist practices and ends with the patient’s discharge from recovery, the nurse may engage in one or more of the following activities:

Terms Used In Ohio Code 4723.434

  • Certified registered nurse anesthetist: means an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a current, valid license issued under this chapter and is designated as a certified registered nurse anesthetist in accordance with section 4723. See Ohio Code 4723.01
  • Physician: means an individual authorized under Chapter 4731 of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery. See Ohio Code 4723.01
  • Registered nurse: means an individual who holds a current, valid license issued under this chapter that authorizes the practice of nursing as a registered nurse. See Ohio Code 4723.01

(1) Performing and documenting evaluations and assessments, which may include ordering and evaluating one or more diagnostic tests for conditions related to the administration of anesthesia;

(2) As necessary for patient management and care, selecting, ordering, and administering treatments, drugs, and intravenous fluids for conditions related to the administration of anesthesia;

(3) As necessary for patient management and care, directing registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists to perform either or both of the following activities if authorized by law to perform such activities:

(a) Providing supportive care, including monitoring vital signs, conducting electrocardiograms, and administering intravenous fluids;

(b) Administering treatments, drugs, and intravenous fluids to treat conditions related to the administration of anesthesia.

(B)(1) A certified registered nurse anesthetist may not engage in one or more of the activities described in division (A) of this section unless all of the following apply:

(a) The nurse is physically present at the health care facility when performing the activities.

(b) The nurse’s supervising physician, podiatrist, or dentist is physically present at the health care facility where the nurse is performing the activities.

(c) The health care facility where the nurse practices has adopted a written policy developed by the facility’s medical, nursing, and pharmacy directors that meets the requirements of section 4723.435 of the Revised Code.

(2) A certified registered nurse anesthetist shall not engage in one or more of the activities described in division (A) of this section if the supervising physician, podiatrist, or dentist or the health care facility where the nurse practices determines that it is not in a patient’s best interest for the nurse to perform such an activity or activities. If a supervising physician, podiatrist, or dentist or facility makes such a determination, the patient’s medical or electronic health record shall indicate that the nurse is prohibited from performing the activity or activities.

(3) If a certified registered nurse anesthetist performs one or more of the activities described in division (A) of this section, the nurse shall so indicate in the patient’s medical or electronic health record.

(C)(1) This section does not authorize a certified registered nurse anesthetist to prescribe a drug for use outside of the health care facility where the nurse practices.

(2) This section does not prohibit a certified registered nurse from implementing a verbal order of a supervising physician, podiatrist, or dentist.