The New Hampshire Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) approved revised regulations on April 18 from the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (NHBDE), addressing in part the administration of deep sedation/general anesthesia (DS/GA) to pediatric patients. The final rule permits OMSs to apply for an exemption from the requirement to use a separate anesthesia provider when treating patients aged 13 and under, provided specific criteria are met.
For patients aged 9 to 12, exemption applicants must follow strict protocols, including use of a designated staff member with PALS or DAANCE certification, completion of an ASA physical exam and airway assessment and compliance with other safety requirements. For patients aged 8 and under, providers must obtain a pediatric endorsement by documenting either recent qualifying residency training or experience administering DS/GA to at least 20 patients in that age group within the past two years. In emergent situations, providers without this endorsement may proceed without a separate provider but must report the case to NHBDE.
The revised rule also addresses additional aspects of anesthesia administration and is expected to take effect later this summer. Visit the NHBDE website for details.
