Advisory Opinion on RNs and Airway Management (12-2009)

Endotracheal intubation and/or insertion of a laryngeal mask airway in a critical situation is within the scope of practice of the RN. An RN may administer medications, such as Etomidate, Diprivan and neuromuscular blocker agents under the following conditions:

1. Administration is under the direct supervision of a physician or CRNA;
2. The RN is educationally prepared and clinically competent to perform the act in a safe, competent manner, and;
3. The facility has a policy in place that allows the RN to administer the medications and provides for education and a mechanism to validate clinical competency.

Read the Nebraska Board of Nursing Advisory Opinion on RNs and Airway Management

Chapter IV: PART 416.43—AMBULATORY SURGICAL SERVICES
Standard: Administration of Anesthesia (10-1-01) - Page 5

An Ambulatory Surgical Center as defined by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services complies with the following standard established by the US DHHS Health Care Financing Administration:

• Anesthetics must be administered by only:
  • A qualified anesthesiologist; or
  • A physician qualified to administer anesthesia, a certified registered nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist’s assistant or a supervised trainee in an approved educational program.

• In those cases in which a non-physician administers the anesthesia, the anesthetist must be under the supervision of the operating physician, and in the case of an anesthesiologist’s assistant, under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Read 42 CFR: Chapter IV - Part 416  (Page 5)