TITLE examining-boards

Part 9. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 163. LICENSURE

22 TAC §163.1, §163.5

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis amendments to §163.1 and §163.5, concerning licensure examinations and official translations of documents.

The rules will protect the public by licensing only those physicians who pass licensure examinations that meet national standards. The rules will also clarify the information required by the board relating to certified translation of documents.

These sections are being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for these amendments to be effective.

The amendments are adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §155.051 is affected by the adopted amendments.

§163.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the contents clearly indicate otherwise.

(1)-(6)

(No change.)

(7)

Examinations accepted by the board for licensure.

(A)-(F)

(No change.)

(G)

State board examination, before January 1, 1977, (with the exception of Florida, Virgin Islands, Guam, Tennessee Osteopathic Board or Puerto Rico after June 30, 1963); or

(H)-(J)

(No change.)

(8)-(15)

(No change.)

§163.5.Licensure Documentation.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Documentation required of all applicants for licensure.

(1)-(12)

(No change.)

(13)

Graduate Training Verification. Each applicant must submit a certificate showing successful completion of required training. The certificate must show the beginning and ending dates of the program and state that the program was successfully completed. An applicant must [ may ] have the current Program Director of the program in which the applicant trained submit a letter, addressed to this board, submitted directly to this board stating the beginning and ending dates of the program and attesting to successful completion.

(14)-(18)

(No change.)

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Applicants may be required to submit other documentation, which may include the following.

(1)

Translations. Any document that is in a language other than the English language will need to have a certified translation prepared and a copy of the translation will have to be submitted along with the translated document.

(A)

An official translation from the medical school (or appropriate agency) attached to the foreign language transcript or other document is acceptable.

(B)

If a foreign document is received without a translation, the board will send the applicant a copy of the document to be translated and returned to the board.

(C)

Documents must be translated by a translation agency who is a member of the American Translations Association or a United States college or university official.

(D)

The translation must be on the translator's letterhead, and the translator must verify that it is a "true word for word translation" to the best of his/her knowledge, and that he/she is fluent in the language translated, and is qualified to translate the document.

(E)

The translation must be signed in the presence of a notary public and then notarized. The translator's name must be printed below his/her signature. The notary public must use this phrase: "Subscribed and Sworn to this ___ day of _________, 20___ ." The notary must then sign and date the translation, and affix his/her Notary Seal to the document.

(2)-(7)

(No change.)

(e)

(No change.)

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909003

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 165. MEDICAL RECORDS

22 TAC §165.2

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to §165.2, concerning medical records.

The amendment will clarify charges for affidavits that may accompany copies of medical records certifying that the copy is a true and correct copy of the original.

The section is being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for the amendment to be effective.

The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §159.006 is affected by the adopted amendment.

§165.2.Medical Record Release and Charges.

(a)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The physician responding to a request for such information shall be entitled to receive a reasonable fee for providing the requested information. A reasonable fee shall be a charge of no more than $25 for the first 20 pages and $.15 per page for every copy thereafter. In addition, a reasonable fee may include actual costs for mailing, shipping, or delivery. If an affidavit is requested, certifying that the information is a true and correct copy of the records, a reasonable fee of up to $10 may be charged for executing the affidavit.

(f)-(i)

(No change.)

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909004

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 171. INSTITUTIONAL PERMITS

22 TAC §171.1

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to §171.1, concerning permits issued to physicians in postgraduate training programs.

The amendment will clarify the provisions of the Medical Practice Act under which physicians holding training permits may be disciplined.

The section is being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for the amendment to be effective.

The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §155.105 is affected by the adopted amendment.

§171.1.Construction.

(a)-(g)

(No change.)

(h)

A violation of §3.08 or any other provision of the Medical Practice Act is grounds for denial, non-renewal or cancellation of a permit.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909005

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 173. PHYSICIAN PROFILES

22 TAC §§173.1-173.7

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis new §§173.1-173.7, concerning information to be collected by the board as mandated by House Bill 110, 76th Legislature.

The rules will outline the information to be collected and made available to the public. This will enable the public to access information via the Internet or in paper format that will be helpful in making informed decisions regarding the choice of a physician.

These sections are being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for the new sections to be effective.

The new sections are adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §160.002 is affected by the adopted new sections.

§173.1.Profile Contents.

(a)

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (the "board") shall develop and make available to the public a comprehensive profile of each licensed physician electronically via the Internet or in paper format upon request.

(b)

The profile of each licensed physician shall contain the following information listed in paragraphs (1)-(28) of this subsection:

(1)

full name;

(2)

date and place of birth;

(3)

gender;

(4)

ethnic origin;

(5)

name of each medical school attended and the dates of:

(A)

graduation; or

(B)

Fifth Pathway designation and completion of the Fifth Pathway Program;

(6)

a description of all graduate medical education in the United States or Canada, including:

(A)

beginning and ending dates;

(B)

program name;

(C)

city and state of program;

(D)

type of training (internship, residency or fellowship); and,

(E)

specialty of program;

(7)

any specialty certification held by the physician and issued by a board that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists;

(8)

primary and secondary specialties practiced, as designated by the physician;

(9)

the number of years the physician has actively practiced medicine in:

(A)

the United States or Canada; and

(B)

Texas;

(10)

the original date of issuance of the physician's Texas medical license;

(11)

the expiration date of the physician's annual registration permit;

(12)

the physician's current registration, disciplinary and licensure statuses and dates of such statuses;

(13)

the physician's Continuing Medical Education status;

(14)

the expiration date of the physician's permit to conduct outpatient anesthesia services, if applicable;

(15)

the method of licensure of the physician's original Texas medical license, and, if by reciprocal endorsement, the state and/or province of reciprocal endorsement;

(16)

the name and city of each hospital in Texas in which the physician has privileges;

(17)

the physician's primary practice location (street address, city, state and zip code);

(18)

the physician's mailing address (street address or post office box, city, state and zip code);

(19)

the type of language translating services, including translating services for a person with impairment of hearing, that the physician provides at the physician's primary practice location;

(20)

whether the physician participates in the Medicaid program;

(21)

whether the physician's patient service areas are accessible to disabled persons, as defined by federal law;

(22)

a description of any conviction for an offense constituting a felony, a Class A or Class B misdemeanor, or a Class C misdemeanor involving moral turpitude during the ten-year period preceding the date of the profile;

(23)

a description of any charges reported to the board during the ten-year period preceding the date of the profile to which the physician has pleaded no contest, for which the physician is the subject of deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion, or in which sufficient facts of guilt were found and the matter was continued by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(24)

a description of any disciplinary action against the physician by the board;

(25)

a description of any disciplinary action against the physician by a medical licensing board of another state during the ten-year period preceding the date of the profile;

(26)

a description of the final resolution taken by the board on medical malpractice claims or complaints required to be opened by the board under §5.05(f) of the Medical Practice Act (Article 4495b, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes);

(27)

a description of any formal complaint issued by the Board's staff against the physician and initiated and filed with the State Office of Administrative Hearings under §4.03 of the Medical Practice Act (Article 4495b, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) and the status of the complaint; and,

(28)

a description of a maximum of 5 awards, honors, publications or academic appointments submitted by the physician, each no longer than 120 characters.

§173.2.Profile Update and Correction Form.

(a)

The board shall develop a Profile Update and Correction Form (the "Form") which allows for corrections and/or updates to the profile information to be made by the physician. The physician must submit all changes to profile information upon this Form, or indicate on the Form that no changes are necessary. The Form shall contain the date the information will be made available to the public and will allow the physician to request a copy of the physician's profile. Upon such request, and when the profile information has been updated, the board shall provide a copy to the physician. The Form will be made available in hard copy and on the Internet.

(b)

Compliance with the request for information from the board is mandatory. Failure to return the completed Form to the board shall be considered non-compliance. Non-compliance shall result in nonrenewal of the physician's license until such time as the physician provides the requested information.

(c)

Submission of false or misleading information by the physician shall be considered grounds for disciplinary action.

(d)

All data contained in the profile shall indicate the source of the data and the last update date.

§173.3.Initial Collection of Profile Data and Physician-Initiated Updates During the Renewal Process.

(a)

The board shall send a copy of the Form to the physician with the physician's annual renewal form.

(b)

The physician shall comply with the request for information by returning the Form to the board prior to the expiration date of the physician's annual registration permit.

§173.4.Updates to the Physician's Profile Due to Board Action.

When the board takes disciplinary action against a physician, such action shall be noted on the physician's profile and shall be made available to the public.

§173.5.Updates to the Physician's Profile Due to Information Received by a Third Party.

When the board is notified by a third party of a change in profile information for a physician, the board shall send a copy of the Form to the physician with the changes noted. The physician shall have one month in which to correct factual errors or dispute the information.

§173.6.Physician-Initiated Updates Outside of the Renewal Process.

If the profile needs correction outside of the regular renewal process, the physician shall request that the Form be mailed to the physician for corrections. The physician must then use the Form to submit corrections to the profile information to the board.

§173.7.Corrections and the Dispute Process.

(a)

If the physician wishes to make corrections or dispute the proposed profile information, the procedures in this section shall apply.

(b)

If the board receives the Form from the physician without corrections to the profile information, the profile shall be made available to the public as is.

(c)

If the board receives the Form from the physician and the physician has indicated corrections to the information on the Form, the board shall review the proposed corrections.

(d)

If the board determines that the physician's corrections are satisfactory, the board shall update the profile information and make the profile available to the public.

(e)

If the board determines that the physician's corrections are unsatisfactory, the board shall so notify the physician, along with a presentation of the information in a format satisfactory to the board, and instructions of the process that the physician must follow to dispute the information.

(f)

If the physician wishes to dispute the profile information which is in the format satisfactory to the board, the physician must submit a formal letter of dispute to the board within two weeks of the date of the notification in subsection (e) of this section. The physician must then submit proof of factual error to the board within one month of the date of the notification in subsection (e) of this section.

(g)

Upon receipt of the formal letter of dispute from the physician, a notation that the information under dispute is "Not available" shall be attached to the appropriate category of the physician's profile and such notation shall be made available to the public on the profile.

(h)

After review of the proof provided by the physician during the dispute process as described in subsection (f) of this section, the board shall make a determination as to the profile information to be provided to the public.

(i)

Upon determination by the board of the dispute, the board shall notify the physician of the determination, shall update the physician's profile with the information, shall remove the "Not available" notation and shall make the profile available to the public.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909006

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 175. FEES, PENALTIES AND APPLICATIONS

22 TAC §175.1, §175.5

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis amendments to §175.1 and §175.5, concerning the fee and application for office-based anesthesia registration.

The fees collected will implement the program of registering physicians using office-based anesthesia, as mandated by Senate Bill 1340, 76th Legislature.

These sections are being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for these amendments to be effective.

The amendments are adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §153.051 is affected by the adopted amendments.

§175.1.Fees.

The board shall charge the following fees.

(1)-(6)

(No change.)

(7)

Miscellaneous Fees:

(A)-(B)

(No change.)

(C)

reinstatement after cancellation for cause - $350 ; [ . ]

(D)

office-based anesthesia registration - $300.

§175.5.Applications.

(a)

All information required on applications used by this board will conform to the Medical Practice Act and rules promulgated by this board. The board hereby adopts by reference the following forms:

(1)-(6)

(No change.)

(7)

Miscellaneous Applications:

(A)-(B)

(No change.)

(C)

physician designation of prescriptive delegation ; [ . ]

(D)

application for office-based anesthesia registration.

(b)

(No change.)

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909007

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 183. ACUPUNCTURE

22 TAC §183.4

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to §183.4, concerning the computer based score for passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

The amendment will clarify the minimum score required for passage of the computer based Test of English as a Foreign Language.

The section is being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for the amendment to be effective.

The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §§205.101, 205.202, and 205.203 is affected by the adopted amendment.

§183.4.Licensure.

(a)

Qualifications. An applicant must present satisfactory proof to the acupuncture board that the applicant:

(1)-(6)

(No change.)

(7)

is able to communicate in English as demonstrated by one of the following:

(A)

(No change.)

(B)

passage of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 550 or higher on the paper based test or with a score of 213 or higher on the computer based test ; or

(C)-(F)

(No change.)

(b)-(g)

(No change.)

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909008

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 192. OFFICE-BASED ANESTHESIA

22 TAC §§192.1-192.6

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis new Chapter 192, §§192.1-192.6, concerning responsibilities of physicians providing, or overseeing by proper delegation, anesthesia services in outpatient settings and to provide the minimum acceptable standards for the provision of anesthesia services in outpatient settings, as mandated by Senate Bill 1340, 76th Legislature.

These rules will protect the public by assuring that physicians adhere to acceptable standards in the provision of anesthesia services in office-based settings.

These sections are being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for the new sections to be effective.

The new sections are adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §153.001 is affected by the adopted new sections.

§192.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the contents indicate otherwise.

(1)

Anesthesiologist's assistant - A graduate of an approved anesthesiologist's assistant training program.

(2)

Anesthesiology resident - A physician who is presently in an approved Texas anesthesiology residency program who is either licensed as a physician in Texas or holds a postgraduate resident permit issued by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

(3)

Certified registered nurse anesthetist - A person licensed by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas (BNE) as a registered professional nurse, authorized by the BNE as an advanced practice nurse in the role of nurse anesthetist, and certified by a national certifying body recognized by the BNE.

(4)

Monitored anesthesia care - Situations where a patient undergoing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure receives doses of medication that create a risk of loss of normal protective reflexes or loss of consciousness and the patient remains able to protect the airway for the majority of the procedure. If, for an extended period of time, the patient is rendered unconscious and/or loses normal protective reflexes, then anesthesia care shall be considered a general anesthetic.

(5)

Outpatient setting - Any facility, clinic, center, office, or other setting that is not a part of a licensed hospital or a licensed ambulatory surgical center with the exception of all of the following listed in subparagraphs (A)-(D) of this paragraph:

(A)

a clinic located on land recognized as tribal land by the federal government and maintained or operated by a federally recognized Indian tribe or tribal organization as listed by the United States secretary of the interior under 25 U.S.C. §479-1 or as listed under a successor federal statute or regulation;

(B)

a facility maintained or operated by a state or governmental entity;

(C)

a clinic directly maintained or operated by the United States or by any of its departments, officers, or agencies; and

(D)

an outpatient setting accredited by either the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations relating to ambulatory surgical centers, the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, or the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

(6)

Board - The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

(7)

Physician - A person licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners as a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine who diagnoses, treats, or offers to treat any disease or disorder, mental or physical, or any physical deformity or injury by any system or method or effects cures thereof and charges therefor, directly or indirectly, money or other compensation. "Physician" and "surgeon" shall be construed as synonymous.

§192.2.Provision of Anesthesia in Outpatient Settings.

(a)

The purpose of these rules is to identify the roles and responsibilities of physicians providing, or overseeing by proper delegation, anesthesia services in outpatient settings and to provide the minimum acceptable standards for the provision of anesthesia services in outpatient settings.

(b)

Beginning September 1, 2000, physicians shall comply with the rules promulgated under this title in order to be authorized to provide general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or monitored anesthesia care in outpatient settings.

(c)

The rules promulgated under this title do not apply to physicians who practice in the following settings listed in paragraphs (1)-(8) of this subsection:

(1)

an outpatient setting in which only local anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, or both are used;

(2)

an outpatient setting in which only anxiolytics and analgesics are used and only in doses that do not have the significant probability of placing the patient at risk for loss of the patient's life-preserving protective reflexes;

(3)

a licensed hospital, including an outpatient facility of the hospital that is separately located apart from the hospital;

(4)

a licensed ambulatory surgical center;

(5)

a clinic located on land recognized as tribal land by the federal government and maintained or operated by a federally recognized Indian tribe or tribal organization as listed by the United States secretary of the interior under 25 U.S.C. §479-1 or as listed under a successor federal statute or regulation;

(6)

a facility maintained or operated by a state or governmental entity;

(7)

a clinic directly maintained or operated by the United States or by any of its departments, officers, or agencies; and

(8)

an outpatient setting accredited by:

(A)

the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations relating to ambulatory surgical centers;

(B)

the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities; or

(C)

the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

(d)

Anesthesiologists in outpatient settings shall follow current, applicable standards and guidelines as put forth by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) including, but not limited to, the following listed in paragraphs (1)-(8) of this subsection:

(1)

Basic Standards for Preanesthesia Care;

(2)

Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring;

(3)

Standards for Postanesthesia Care;

(4)

Position on Monitored Anesthesia Care;

(5)

The ASA Physical Status Classification System;

(6)

Guidelines for Nonoperating Room Anesthetizing Locations;

(7)

Guidelines for Ambulatory Anesthesia and Surgery; and

(8)

Guidelines for Office-Based Anesthesia.

(e)

A physician delegating the provision of anesthesia or anesthesia-related services to a certified registered nurse anesthetist shall be in compliance with ASA standards when the certified registered nurse anesthetist provides a service specified in the ASA standards to be provided by an anesthesiolgist.

(f)

In an outpatient setting, where a physician has delegated to a certified registered nurse anesthetist the ordering of drugs and devices necessary for the nurse anesthetist to administer an anesthetic or an anesthesia-related service ordered by a physician, a certified registered nurse anesthetist may select, obtain and administer drugs, including determination of appropriate dosages, techniques and medical devices for their administration and in maintaining the patient in sound physiologic status. This order need not be drug-specific, dosage specific, or administration-technique specific. Pursuant to a physician's order for anesthesia or an anesthesia-related service, the certified registered nurse anesthetist may order anesthesia-related medications during perianesthesia periods in the preparation for or recovery from anesthesia. In providing anesthesia or an anesthesia-related service, the certified registered nurse anesthetist shall select, order, obtain and administer drugs which fall within categories of drugs generally utilized for anesthesia or anesthesia-related services and provide the concomitant care required to maintain the patient in sound physiologic status during those experiences.

(g)

The anesthesiologist or physician providing anesthesia or anesthesia-related services in an outpatient setting shall perform a pre-anesthetic assessment, counsel the patient, and prepare the patient for anesthesia per current ASA standards. If the physician has delegated the provision of anesthesia or anesthesia-related services to a CRNA, the CRNA may perform these services. Informed consent for the planned anesthetic intervention shall be obtained from the patient/legal guardian and maintained as part of the medical record. The consent must include explanation of the technique, expected results, and potential risks/complications. Appropriate pre-anesthesia diagnostic testing and consults shall be obtained per indications and assessment findings. Pre-anesthetic diagnostic testing and specialist consultation should be obtained as indicated by the pre-anesthetic evaluation by the anesthesiologist or suggested by the nurse anesthetist's pre-anesthetic assessment as reviewed by the surgeon. If responsibility for a patient's care is to be shared with other physicians or non-physician anesthesia providers, this arrangement should be explained to the patient.

(h)

Physiologic monitoring of the patient shall be determined by the type of anesthesia and individual patient needs. Minimum monitoring shall include continuous monitoring of ventilation, oxygenation, and cardiovascular status. Monitors shall include, but not be limited to, pulse oximetry and EKG continuously and non-invasive blood pressure to be measured at least every five minutes. If general anesthesia is utilized, then an O2 analyzer and end-tidal CO2 analyzer must also be used. A means to measure temperature shall be readily available and utilized for continuous monitoring when indicated per current ASA standards. An audible signal alarm device capable of detecting disconnection of any component of the breathing system shall be utilized. The patient shall be monitored continuously throughout the duration of the procedure. Postoperatively, the patient shall be evaluated by continuous monitoring and clinical observation until stable by a licensed health care provider. Monitoring and observations shall be documented per current ASA standards. In the event of an electrical outage which disrupts the capability to continuously monitor all specified patient parameters, at a minimum, heart rate and breath sounds will be monitored on a continuous basis using a precordial stethoscope or similar device, and blood pressure measurements will be reestablished using a non-electrical blood pressure measuring device until electricity is restored. There should be in each location, sufficient electrical outlets to satisfy anesthesia machine and monitoring equipment requirements, including clearly labeled outlets connected to an emergency power supply. A two-way communication source not dependent on electrical current shall be available. Sites shall also have a secondary power source as appropriate for equipment in use in case of power failure.

(i)

All anesthesia-related equipment and monitors shall be maintained to current operating room standards. All devices shall have regular service/maintenance checks at least annually or per manufacturer recommendations. Service/maintenance checks shall be performed by appropriately qualified biomedical personnel. Prior to the administration of anesthesia, all equipment/monitors shall be checked using the current FDA recommendations as a guideline. Records of equipment checks shall be maintained in a separate, dedicated log which must be made available upon request. Documentation of any criteria deemed to be substandard shall include a clear description of the problem and the intervention. If equipment is utilized despite the problem, documentation must clearly indicate that patient safety is not in jeopardy. All documentation relating to equipment shall be maintained for seven years or for a period of time as determined by the board.

(j)

Each location must have emergency supplies immediately available. Supplies should include emergency drugs and equipment appropriate for the purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This must include a defibrillator, difficult airway equipment, and drugs and equipment necessary for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia if "triggering agents" associated with malignant hyperthermia are used or if the patient is at risk for malignant hyperthermia. Equipment shall be appropriately sized for the patient population being served. Resources for determining appropriate drug dosages shall be readily available. The emergency supplies shall be maintained and inspected by qualified personnel for presence and function of all appropriate equipment and drugs at intervals established by protocol to ensure that equipment is functional and present, drugs are not expired, and office personnel are familiar with equipment and supplies. Records of emergency supply checks shall be maintained in a separate, dedicated log and made available upon request. Records of emergency supply checks shall be maintained for seven years or for a period of time as determined by the board.

(k)

The operating surgeon shall verify that the appropriate policies or procedures are in place. Policies, procedure, or protocols shall be evaluated and reviewed at least annually. Agreements with local emergency medical service (EMS) shall be in place for purposes of transfer of patients to the hospital in case of an emergency. EMS agreements shall be evaluated and re-signed at least annually. Policies, procedure, and transfer agreements shall be kept on file in the setting where procedures are performed and shall be made available upon request. Policies or procedures must include, but are not limited to the following listed in paragraphs (1)-(2) of this subsection:

(1)

Management of outpatient anesthesia. At a minimum, these must address:

(A)

patient selection criteria;

(B)

patients/providers with latex allergy;

(C)

pediatric drug dosage calculations, where applicable;

(D)

ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) or PALS (pediatric advanced life support) algorithms;

(E)

infection control;

(F)

documentation and tracking use of pharmaceuticals, including controlled substances, expired drugs and wasting of drugs; and

(G)

discharge criteria.

(2)

Management of emergencies. At a minimum, these must include, but not be limited to:

(A)

cardiopulmonary emergencies;

(B)

fire;

(C)

bomb threat;

(D)

chemical spill; and

(E)

natural disasters.

(l)

Operating surgeons or anesthesiologists shall maintain current competency in ACLS, PALS, or a course approved by the board. In all settings under these rules, at a minimum, at least two persons, including the surgeon or anesthesiologist, shall maintain current competency in basic life support.

(m)

Physicians or surgeons must notify the board in writing within 15 days if a procedure performed in any of the settings under these rules resulted in a patient's death intraoperatively or within the immediate postoperative period. Immediate postoperative period is defined as 72 hours.

§192.3.Compliance with Office-Based Anesthesia Rules.

(a)

On or after August 31, 2000, a physician who practices medicine in this state and who administers anesthesia or performs a surgical procedure for which anesthesia services are provided in an outpatient setting shall comply with the rules adopted under this title.

(b)

The board may require a physician to submit and comply with a corrective action plan to remedy or address any current or potential deficiencies with the physician's provision of anesthesia in a outpatient setting in accordance with the Medical Practice Act, Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes, or rules of the board.

(c)

Any physician who violates these rules shall be subject to disciplinary action and/or termination of the registration issued by the board as authorized by the Medical Practice Act, Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes.

§192.4.Annual Registration.

(a)

Beginning September 1, 2000, the board shall require each physician who administers anesthesia or performs a surgical procedure for which anesthesia services are provided in an outpatient setting to annually register with the board on a form prescribed by the board and to pay a fee to the board in an amount established by the board.

(b)

The board shall coordinate the registration required under this section with the registration required under the Medical Practice Act, Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes, §3.01, so that the times of registration, payment, notice, and imposition of penalties for late payment are similar and provide a minimum of administrative burden to the board and to physicians.

§192.5.Inspections.

(a)

The board may conduct inspections to enforce these rules, including inspections of an office site and of documents of a physician's practice that relate to the provision of anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The board may contract with another state agency or qualified person to conduct these inspections.

(b)

Unless it would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, the board shall provide at least five business days' notice before conducting an on-site inspection under this section.

(c)

This section does not require the board to make an on-site inspection of a physician's office.

§192.6.Requests for Inspection and Advisory Opinion.

(a)

The board may consider a request by a physician for an on-site inspection. The board may, in its discretion and on payment of a fee in an amount established by the board, conduct the inspection and issue an advisory opinion.

(b)

An advisory opinion issued by the board under this section is no binding on the board, and the board, except as provided by subsection (c) of this section, may take any action under the Medical Practice Act, Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes, in relation to the situation addressed by the advisory opinion that the board considers appropriate.

(c)

A physician who requests and relies on an advisory opinion of the board may use the opinion as mitigating evidence in an action or proceeding to impose an administrative or civil penalty under the Medical Practice Act, Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes. The board or court, as appropriate, shall take proof of reliance on an advisory opinion into consideration and mitigate the imposition of administrative or civil penalties accordingly.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909009

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 193. STANDING DELEGATION ORDERS

22 TAC §193.9

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts on an emergency basis new §193.9, concerning pronouncement of death.

The new section will enable physicians to make a pronouncement of death based on facts given to them by licensed vocational nurses through electronic communication.

The new section is being adopted on an emergency basis due to the legislature mandating a January 7, 2000, deadline for the new section to be effective.

The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §157.001 is affected by the adopted new section.

§193.9.Pronouncement of Death.

(a)

Purpose. These rules are promulgated under the authority of the Medical Practice Act, §3.06(d), to allow physicians to receive information from Texas licensed vocational nurses through electronic communication for the purpose of making a pronouncement of death. Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.

(b)

Do not resuscitate order. A do not resuscitate (DNR) order must be kept in the patient's file.

(c)

Required information. In order to make a pronouncement of death through electronic communication, a physician must receive, at a minimum, the following information listed in paragraphs (1)-(5) of this subsection regarding the condition of the patient:

(1)

absence of palpable pulse for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(2)

absence of discernible blood pressure for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(3)

absence of evidence of respiration for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(4)

absence of evidence of heartbeat for a minimum of 60 seconds; and

(5)

other information as the physician may require.

(d)

Follow-up by physician. If a physician makes a pronouncement of death based on information received pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the physician must personally view the body of the deceased and sign the death certificate within eight hours of the pronouncement.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on December 22, 1999.

TRD-9909010

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: December 22, 1999

Expiration date: April 20, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016