The definitions in this section apply throughout WAC 246-817-701 through 246-817-790 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Analgesia" is the diminution of pain in the conscious patient.

(2) "Anesthesia" is the loss of feeling or sensation, especially loss of sensation of pain.

(3) "Anesthesia monitor" means a credentialed health care provider specifically trained in monitoring patients under sedation and capable of assisting with procedures, problems and emergency incidents that may occur as a result of the sedation or secondary to an unexpected medical complication.

(4) "Anesthesia provider" means a dentist, physician anesthesiologist, dental hygienist or certified registered nurse anesthetist licensed and authorized to practice within the state of Washington.

(5) "Close supervision" means that a supervising dentist whose patient is being treated has personally diagnosed the condition to be treated and has personally authorized the procedures to be performed. The supervising dentist is continuously on-site and physically present in the treatment facility while the procedures are performed by the assistive personnel and capable of responding immediately in the event of an emergency. The term does not require a supervising dentist to be physically present in the operatory.

(6)"Deep sedation/analgesia" is a drug induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

(7) "Dental anesthesia assistant" means a health care provider certified under chapter 18.350 RCW and specifically trained to perform the functions authorized in RCW 18.350.040 under supervision of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist.

(8) "Direct visual supervision" means supervision by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist by verbal command and under direct line of sight.

(9) "General anesthesia" is a drug induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain an airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command, produced by a pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic method, or combination thereof may be impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

(10) "Local anesthesia" is the elimination of sensations, especially pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of a drug.

(11) "Minimal sedation" is a drug induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

(12) "Moderate sedation" is a drug induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. Moderate sedation can include both moderate sedation/analgesia (conscious sedation) and moderate sedation with parenteral agent.

(13) "Parenteral" means a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (i.e., intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, submuscosal, subcutaneous, intraosseous).