Numerous patients nationwide undergo some form of anesthesia daily for hospital surgeries, outpatient clinic procedures and even routine care in medical offices.
However, just because anesthesia is commonplace doesn’t mean it’s simple and something that anyone can offer. Anesthesia providers must know the process, the proper best practices and the finer details of anesthesia regulations.
Regulations are complex, but they’re in place for patient safety. Non-compliance can lead to fines, malpractice lawsuits, patient injuries and even death. At CCI Anesthesia, we help facilities and practices comply with all applicable regulations, providing patient and provider safety.
The Multiple Bodies Overseeing Anesthesia
Part of the reason why anesthesia regulations are so complex is that they aren’t governed by just one regulatory body. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an entire Division of Anesthesia, Addiction Medicine and Pain Medicine (DAAP). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates it, as do state-level health agencies.
Of course, the ultimate purpose is patient safety. These various bodies oversee different aspects of anesthesia, ensuring the soundness of the equipment, staff and methodology.
Common Compliance Challenges in Anesthesia
The complexity and sometimes evolving nature of anesthesia regulations pose challenges for anesthesia departments. Specific stipulations on drug management, record keeping and staff credentialing must be followed, and keeping track of everything can be difficult for a department that’s foremost focused on patient care.
Ignoring these specifics is not optional, though. Non-compliance can result in severe consequences, including legal penalties, financial liabilities, loss of accreditation and damage to a facility’s reputation.
Building a Compliance-Focused Culture
Creating a culture of compliance begins with leadership. Hospital executives must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to regulatory standards, setting both an example and standards for staff. Facilities should have regular training, a means of reporting possible violations and a habit of rewarding providers who maintain high compliance. A compliance-focused culture comes first from senior leadership, though.
Effective Compliance Training for Anesthesia Staff
Regular training is essential for staff to maintain a high level of patient care. Training provides a way to remind staff of standards and expectations and help them stay current in the field. Training programs allow staff to learn about regulator changes, emerging best practices and new technologies used in the field.
Training programs should be robust to help staff remain current. It may include:
Reimbursement for CME programs
Grand rounds with providers from different facilities
Tutorials on equipment handling and methodology
Updates on medication safety
Reviews of emergency protocols
Print or electronic resources for reference
Risk Assessment and Management in Anesthesia Services
Regular risk assessments help identify potential areas of non-compliance before they escalate into more significant issues. Assessments should encompass all aspects of anesthesia services, including staffing levels, equipment maintenance, medication storage and documentation practices. Action plans should also be in place to define how issues are identified, reported and managed.
